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All indications are Jordy Nelson suffered a season ending knee injury during the second preseason game on Sunday. This is bad news no matter how deeply shaded your green and gold colored glasses are.<br /><br />However, the Packers are better positioned than most to replace a vital cog in the offensive machine. Remember Aaron Rodgers is still taking snaps, and he's dangerous enough to make any journeyman receiver into a Pro Bowler, right Greg Jennings? Whoops - too soon??.<br /><br />Here are the top five players that will be counted on to absorb some of the firepower Nelson leaves on the field should he really be done for the season as feared:<br /><br /><b>1. Ty Montgomery - </b>It is a fool's errand to count too heavily on rookies to make major contributions in the NFL. Typically this would hold true for Montgomery as well. Unfortunately he will be thrust into a more vital role than expected. The rookie was well groomed playing at Stanford in a pro-friendly offense. Formerly under Jim Harbaugh and now under David Shaw, Stanford has placed receivers less heralded in college(Doug Baldwin) than Montgomery into major contributing roles on NFL teams.<br />It also helps that Montgomery started training camp as one of the most talked about <a href="http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-training-camp/article-1/Rookie-WR-Ty-Montgomery-making-an-early-impression/6e12cce6-6d43-4bc9-acba-c6ef4ed9f8d0">players</a>. Nearly every practice he was <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/22183/is-packers-rookie-wr-ty-montgomery-for-real">making </a><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/22128/ty-montgomery-shows-off-more-play-making-skills">plays&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;in a variety of ways. Even before Nelson's injury, Montgomery had shown enough to earn playing time. However, there is a big difference between making one or two plays a game and being counted on every down like Nelson. But Montgomery has the skill and pedigree that a seamless transition is not out of the question.<br /><br /><b>2. Richard Rodgers - </b>The Packers offense has missed a big red zone target since Jermichael Finley. Many scoffed at the Rodgers pick after he was somewhat unexpectedly taken in the third round, well ahead of many projections. Even last year as a rookie, Rodgers never really stood out or made any jaw dropping plays. This season however, he is starting to make some strides. McCarthy noted his <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/richard-rodgers-looking-to-keep-packers-no-1-tight-end-job-b99557427z1-322328531.html">improvement</a>&nbsp;earlier in camp and seems prime for more snaps in lieu of Andrew Quarless's looming legal trouble.<br />In the very same Pittsburgh game that derailed Jordy's season, Rodgers had two impressive catches extending his hands away from his body to secure the ball. The second effort resulted in a 21 yard touchdown <a href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/watch/green-bay-packers-tight-end-richard-rodgers-21-yard-touchdown-catch/vi-BBm1nPA">reception</a>. Rodgers will never be the deep threat that Nelson posed, but his 6'4" frame will be a challenge to deal with in the red zone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3. Eddie Lacy </b>- A bit of a cheat, but whatever. Unlike the Packer's offense in 2011 when top receiving target Greg Jennings missed five games due to injury, the 2015 offense has a pretty effective running game. Lacy's ability to grind out yards and punish defenders will force opposing defenses to honor the threat of the run game and open up the passing game for everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not only that, but Lacy has been improving as a pass catch out of the backfield. Entering last season Lacy joked he wanted to be called "<a href="http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-training-camp/article-1/Eddie-Lacy%E2%80%99s-hands-getting-workout-early-in-camp/d6375d2e-44b0-4fb5-a16c-6d97f3d21e94">Moss</a>" due to his amazing hands. He then went on to back it up with 42 catches for 427 yards and four touchdowns in the 2014 season. Like Rodgers, Lacy will not be blowing by safeties with the long ball. The screen game combined with old fashioned smash mouth running game will keep Lacy as an effective and more versatile piece of the Packers offense. After all, what defender wants to take on Lacy gaining a full head of steam on a check down?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2k03AubeK8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2k03AubeK8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4. Jeff Janis - </b>Janis has been a fan favorite and media darling since a few big plays last preseason. Janis has the size and speed coveted at the receiver position. However, aside from those training camp spurts, Janis has yet to show he can be a reliable target for Rodgers.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unlike the previous two entries on this list though, Janis most certainly can provide the deep threat the Packers lack without Nelson. Don't expect him to turn into a Pro Bowler overnight. But with the new emphasis on defensive pass interference, it wouldn't be a shock to see Janis get one or two opportunities a game to get behind the defense and let the majesty that is Aaron Rodgers deep ball do the rest.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>5. Jared Abbrederis - </b>Already a fan favorite due to his time at the University of Wisconsin, Abbrederis showed promise before battling an ACL injury of his own last season, and a concussion at the beginning of camp this year. This is the &nbsp;most far fetched solution, but would ultimately be the most entertaining. Imagine Abbrederis being cleared the day after Nelson's injury and coming to the rescue. Not only would the media lap up the Wisconsin born and raised rescues Packers season stories, but the <a href="https://twitter.com/JSComments">JSComments </a>Twitter feed <a href="https://twitter.com/jscomments/status/626802158428553216">might </a><a href="https://twitter.com/JSComments/status/635536096185729024">actually </a><a href="https://twitter.com/JSComments/status/605781389259108352">collapse </a>on <a href="https://twitter.com/JSComments/status/609064773435670528">itself</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Come on everyone, let's make this happen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>5(for real this time) - Randall Cobb and Davante Adams</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey everyone, remember these guys?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WkUyVNlLEtw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WkUyVNlLEtw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vy5jvh5ABf8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vy5jvh5ABf8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll admit, I'm not quite ready to miss out on these play action bootlegs of beauty between Rodgers and Nelson this season:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n9mg5oq7ezI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9mg5oq7ezI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or these masterful back shoulder fade stops:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i7qk65aer_4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i7qk65aer_4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part of me hopes the exercise of writing this article will be a reverse jinx of sorts to the MRI Nelson will receive in Green Bay on Monday. As foolish as those superstitions are, part of sports fandom is talking yourself into anything to support your team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After all, if we can get behind Jeff Janis or Jared Abbrederis as bona fide Jordy Nelson substitutes, perhaps we can talk ourselves into Jordy Nelson never being injured to begin with?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">-Neal Olson (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">@olewr7)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Follow us on Twitter (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and<a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@10iskristin</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/who-will-replace-jordy-nelsons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-1103704116343526728Thu, 17 Apr 2014 01:28:00 +00002014-04-16T20:28:58.928-05:00Chicago CubsCincinnati RedsMilwaukee BrewersNL CentralPittsburgh PiratesSt. Louis CardinalsHow Will The NL Central Shake Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topsportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/baseball-preview-nl-central1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.topsportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/baseball-preview-nl-central1.png" height="384" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are just over two weeks into the baseball season and it’s safe to say that most Brewers fans are happy campers these days. The team is off to their best start since 1987 and most importantly, winning games on the road. After back to back road sweeps of Boston and Philadelphia, the team returned to Miller Park and kept the ball rolling with a sweep of the then second place Pirates. Heading into a key three game set against the hated Cardinals, the Brewers stood atop Major League Baseball with a 10-2 record. &nbsp;The hot streak came to a halt as the Cards topped the crew 4-0 in game one of the series and followed with a 6-1 win in game two.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With the first loss in ten games bringing us back down to earth, I’d like to take a look at the rest of the season and predict how I think the Division will look at season’s end. Taking into account that the season is 162 games long, I think it’s hard to assume the Brewers will win the division simply because they sit at 11-4 on April 16th. However, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Here’s how I see the division standing after the Brewers’ final game against the Cubs on September 28th.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h3>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Milwaukee Brewers &nbsp;- 94-68<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29955223/474443917.0_standard_400.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29955223/474443917.0_standard_400.0.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can Matt Garza invigorate the pitching rotation?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"></div></h3><br />I think Milwaukee has everything needed to win the division – good pitching, solid defense, explosive offense, and a competent manager. With the addition of Matt Garza to the rotation, the pitching staff got a bonafide veteran pitcher who can eat innings and has experienced success within the division. This allowed the Brewers to place Marco Estrada and Wily Peralta in the four and five slots, respectively, which much better suits their capabilities. I think one of the biggest pieces to the pitching puzzle for the Brewers will be Will Smith. This was an excellent addition from Doug Melvin in the offseason and gives Ron Roenicke someone that he knows can go out and get good hitters out in the late innings. I think that Ryan Braun, despite a nagging thumb injury, is primed for his best season yet and obviously has a lot to prove. The club has a great nucleus of young but experienced players and each one of them knows how to hit the ball and play good defense. It’s unreasonable to expect the club to play as well as they have thus far over the course of an entire season, but I think 94 wins is attainable and I feel that will be good enough to win the division.<br /><br /><h3>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>St Louis Cardinals – 92-70</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/107/files/2011/02/bourjos-catch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/107/files/2011/02/bourjos-catch.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Bourjos ready to help the Cards stay on top of the division.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The Cardinals are once again a great baseball club, but I see them falling short of the impressive 97 wins they achieved last season under Mike Matheny. Matheny is a great manager, and he’s got some great players on his team, but I feel the best has already come for many of them. Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina have passed the prime of their careers and while Peter Bourjos and Matt Carpenter are great young players, they’re not what Holliday and Molina once were. The starting staff should be good once again but the bullpen strikes me as iffy and I could see it as a weakness for the club.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h3>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pittsburgh Pirates – 88-74<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesportsquotient.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/andrew-mccutchen-5313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thesportsquotient.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/andrew-mccutchen-5313.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew McCutchen looks to keep the Pirates in the playoffs</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"></div></h3>The Pirates have been an “up and coming” team for quite a while now and many could say they officially arrived last season, winning 94 games and making their first postseason appearance in 21 years. I think they’re a strong club that will contend again in 2014, but I don’t see them having the firepower to overcome the Cardinals or Brewers. The main issue I see in Pittsburgh is the starting rotation. I think Francisco Liriano is a good pitcher, however I don’t think a staff led by him is a postseason staff. They needed to acquire at least one top of the rotation starter to pair with Liriano if they were going to make me believe they could contend for the division, and they failed to do that. Andrew McCutchen is one of the best all-around players in baseball, but I don’t see enough offense around him to contend with the bats in the lineups in Milwaukee and St. Louis. <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h3><b>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cincinnati Reds – 85-77</b></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/paul_daugherty/09/02/chapman/Aroldis.Chapman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/paul_daugherty/09/02/chapman/Aroldis.Chapman.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reds hope Aroldis Chapman can return from a scary head injury</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The Reds have a lot of firepower in their offense. Joey Votto is always going to be an MVP candidate and Billy Hamilton might just steal a hundred bases. Brandon Phillips will be lightning with the glove as always and Todd Frazier is a young star in his prime at 28. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team contend for the division, but again I question starting pitching. Johnny Cueto is a very reliable guy atop the rotation but Tony Congrani still has a lot to prove and Homer Bailey tends to be inconsistent. A lot of this team’s success will hinge on the health of Aroldis Chapman. The guy is lights out, there is no denying that, but when you’re throwing the ball 101 MPH there will always be reason for concern. I think that he can bounce back from getting hit in the head and be a great pitcher once again, but the team must hope for health in that young arm or they may face serious problems in the 9th inning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h3>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chicago Cubs – 71-91</h3><h3><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2014/0113/chi_e_cubs_mascot_b1_400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2014/0113/chi_e_cubs_mascot_b1_400x600.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Cubs marketing team like trolls the fan base with a new mascot</td></tr></tbody></table></h3><div class="MsoNormal">I was sad to see Dale Sveum canned in Chicago because I think he can be a good manager. However, this team is still a couple years away from contending for a playoff spot. Anthony Rizzo may finally show everyone why he’s received so much hype and Darwin Barney will continue to impress at second base, but I don’t see the potential for enough runs in this lineup to win more than 71 games. The team appears committed to a long term rebuilding process and could be a force to be reckoned with sometime in the future. Unfortunately for Cubs fans, that day won’t come any time soon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">-Joseph Norton (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">@JoeP_Norton)</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Follow us on Twitter (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and<a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@10iskristin</a></span></div><div><br /></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-will-nl-central-shake-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8744774159685930299Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:08:00 +00002014-03-20T16:09:59.518-05:002014 NFL DraftAvery WilliamsonC.J. BarnettC.J. FiedorowiczCalvin PryorGreen Bay PackersJared AbbrederisLogan ThomasMax BulloughSeantrel HendersonTrent MurphyPackers Post-Free Agency 7 Round Mock Draft<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Packers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Packers Post-Free Agency 7 Round Mock Draft" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/packers-post-free-agency-7-round-mock.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://dy.snimg.com/story-image/0/77/4495057/156069-0-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dy.snimg.com/story-image/0/77/4495057/156069-0-600.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Round 1, Pick 21 - Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville</b><br /><b><br /></b>Unless C.J. Mosely is dangling above Ted Thompson's head here at 21 overall, the Packers will draft their biggest need over best talent available. Calvin Pryor is probably the most NFL ready safety in this draft next to HaHa Clinton-Dix and Jimmie Ward. With the way Ted Thompson handled the defensive line in free agency, the Packers can focus on drafting defensive backs and linebackers to rebuild the defense, and it all starts here in Round 1.<b><b>&nbsp;</b></b><br /><br /><br /><b><b>Round 2, Pick 53 - Trent Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford</b></b><br /><br />Packers are really high on Trent Murphy and that's why he's staying here in this mock draft. His name has come up the most when Ted Thompson has talked about draft prospects. The Packers have longed for a outside linebacker to lineup opposite of Clay Matthews. Nick Perry has yet to stay healthy enough to tell if he is the guy or not. Newly signed Packer Julius Peppers is likely to play split time at OLB and DE this year. Adding depth to linebacker is a must this draft as it became the most injured position on the team last year.<b><b> </b></b><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://badgerherald.com/wordpress/media/2013/10/abbrederis_cl-705x470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://badgerherald.com/wordpress/media/2013/10/abbrederis_cl-705x470.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><b><b><b>Round 3, Pick 85 - Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin</b></b></b><br /><br />In case you missed the news, James Jones was signed to a three year contract with the Oakland Raiders. As it stands, the Packers have Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, and Myles White with others on the practice squad. Just two years ago the Packers had Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Donald Driver. They need to add a wide receiver early in the draft and this is a great spot for it with the likelihood of having two picks in the second round. Jard Abbrederis is such a Ted Thompson kind of guy. Not only could Jared be a deep threat option for Aaron Rodgers, but he could also serve as a solid option as a kick returner.<br /><br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Round 3, Compensatory Pick (Greg Jennings) - </b></b></b></b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b>C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b><br /><br />Look, I know there are a lot of people out there that really like Andrew Quarless. I am not one of them. I just don't feel comfortable going into the season with Quarless, Ryan Taylor, Brandon Bostick and Jake Stoneburner as our only tight end options. We don't need to reach for a tight end in the first round for a guy like Ebron or Amaro, but we need an upgrade from what we have. Fiedorowicz is a perfect tight end for the Packers offense. He can block and has great hands with decent burst to get yards after contact.<b><b><b><b>&nbsp;</b></b></b></b><br /><br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Round 4, Pick ??? - </b></b></b></b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b>Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b><br /><br />As I said above, the Packers need serious help at linebacker, but especially at inside linebacker. The aging AJ Hawk and the incredibly inconsistent Brad Jones are at the top of the depth chart. Beneath them is Jamari Lattimore who actually is a promising young talent and Sam Barrington who just needs to keep developing. In a perfect world the Packers would cut ties with Hawk to free up cap space and just hit the reset button on the entire interior linebacker squad. max Bullough is the guy that was suspended from football activities at Michigan State for an off the field issue. Bullough had an incredible combine and probably out-shined the rest of the inside linebackers. But, because of the off the field issue, he will likely drop in the draft. It's a good thing Green Bay is an organization that can help off the field issues players have. Max is highly regarded by his coaches. He's a defensive leader.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/401/707/6_707401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/401/707/6_707401.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a><b><b><b><b>Round 5, Pick ??? - Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami</b></b></b></b><br /><br />With the loss of EDS to the Buccaneers and the apparent departure of Marshall Newhouse, the Packers will need to address the offensive line in the draft. Injuries were an issue last year as the team lost Bryan Bulaga in training camp with a torn ACL.<b><b><b><b> </b></b></b></b>Without a set in stone center, the Packers may have to shuffle the line around again. If they want a quick fix, the Packers will try either JC Tretter or Don Barclay at center. To cover the blow of the losses and a possible changing of the guard (pun intended) on the line, drafting an offensive lineman here is not a bad idea. Seantrel Henderson is a massive human being. He'd be a instant improvement over Newhouse and would provide as an excellent backup tackle to Bulaga and Bakhtiari.<br /><br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Round 6, Pick ??? - </b></b></b></b><b><b><b><b>Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech</b></b></b></b><br /><br />The Packers need to develop a dependable back up QB. Last year that became painfully evident. Matt Flynn was able to cushion the blow of losing Aaron Rodgers once he was eventually signed. Logan Thomas is a great pick here. Receiving comparisons like "Cam 2.0" is very intriguing to me. I've seen a few mocks that have Green Bay taking Tajh Boyd as early as the fourth round. No. That can't happen and won't happen. Boyd is not good at quarterback. That was evident at the NFL Combine when scouts and league executives said they wouldn't even waste a draft pick on him. The Packers have more needs to fill in the earlier rounds than to take a quarterback that *likely* won't see a lot of playing time.<b><b><b><b>&nbsp;</b></b></b></b><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.winningcureseverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/vp0Yo.AuSt_.79.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.winningcureseverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/vp0Yo.AuSt_.79.jpeg" height="320" width="265" /></a><b><b><b><b>Round 6, Compensatory Pick (Erik Walden) - Avery Williamson, ILB, Kentucky&nbsp;</b></b></b></b><br /><br />Williamson is one of those Ted Thompson guys. Under the radar guy who fits exactly into the defensive scheme. As I stated above, middle linebacker is a very shallow area for the Packers and they need depth. Williamson is very quick. He's a great tackler. He'll defend in short coverage, he'll rack up pass defends, he'll rap up a ball carrier. He's a perfect weight and height for the position, standing in at 6-1, 249 pounds. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.66 40 yard dash and was a top performer in the 20 yard shuttle.<b><b><b><b>&nbsp;</b></b></b></b><br /><br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Round 7, Pick ??? - C.J. Barnett, SS, Ohio State</b></b></b></b><br /><b><b><b><b><br /></b></b></b></b>The Packers take a second safety here. The secondary was absolutely destroyed last season due to injury and just lack of performance. The Packers have had a void in the secondary since the team lost Nick Collins. There are some bright spots. The emergence of Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde has been refreshing. Also, Sam Shields coming back provides some stability. Tramon Williams had a very productive year last season. C.J. Barnett would come from an Ohio State team that has produced defensive backs such as Malcolm Jenkins, Nate Clements, Antoine Winfield, Chris Gamble, Donte Whitner and Kurt Coleman. Barnett was a bright spot on the OSU defense that was near the bottom of the Big Ten ranks.<br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/packers-post-free-agency-7-round-mock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7167814385152109160Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:50:00 +00002014-03-19T09:53:35.678-05:00Ben BrustBo RyanBronson KoenigFrank KaminskyJosh GasserNigel HayesSam DekkerWisconsin BadgersWisconsin Badger 2014 Tournament Preview<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Badgers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Wisconsin Badgers 2014 Tournament Preview" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/wisconsin-badger-2014-tournament-preview.html" data-via="olewr7" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Bo+Ryan+Ten+Basketball+Tournament+Semifinals+7KC1uTQZVSnl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Bo+Ryan+Ten+Basketball+Tournament+Semifinals+7KC1uTQZVSnl.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this the year Bo Ryan silences the doubters with a Final Four run? </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Let’s start out with some comparisons. The 2006-2007 team was by most accounts Bo Ryan’s most successful regular season team. They climbed all the way to a number one ranking in the AP poll, a first in program history. The Badgers also took advantage of the NCAA’s summer exhibition in a foreign country rule and began the year with a trip to Italy. Flash forward to 2014. Wisconsin started the season with a trip to Canada going 4-1 against top college programs north of the border and climbed to a top 5 ranking. But the similarities don’t stop there.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.65pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 573px;"> <tbody><tr style="height: 45.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="height: 45.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="35"></td> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="51"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Record<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Highest Rank<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="49"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Points Scored<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Points Allowed<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="87"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">KenPom Off. Effenciency<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 70.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="93"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">KenPom Def. Efficiency<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">KenPom Tempo<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="76"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">NCAA seed<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td nowrap="" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="35"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">2014<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="51"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">26-7<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">3<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="49"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">73.5<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">64.6<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">119.5<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 70.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="93"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">98.7<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">64.4<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">#2<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="35"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">2007<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="51"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">30-6<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">1<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="49"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">70.2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">57.9<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">112.5<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 70.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="93"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">89.8<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 44.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="59"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">64.4<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">#2<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wis/sports/m-baskbl/import/3521_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wis/sports/m-baskbl/import/3521_2.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget about Brian Butch and Alando Tucker, part of the only Badger team to be ranked #1 in the country</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The 2007 and 2014 teams were strikingly similar. This year’s team is better offensively and the Alando Tucker and Brian Butch led team stouter defensively. Even more amazing was both teams averaged 64.4 possessions a game. However, 2014 has one distinct advantage of 2007, this year the Badgers enter the tournament healthy (losing Brian Butch with a dislocated elbow against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament was a killer for that NCAA tournament run).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In order to avoid the early tournament exit here are few keys for Wisconsin to advance out of the West Region.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h3><b>How Wisconsin Wins the West</b></h3><h2><b>Get Sam Dekker back on track.</b></h2><div class="MsoNormal">Dekker has been in a self-admitted mini slump the past few weeks. After scoring 16 points against Indiana February 25 &nbsp;in a 69-58 win, Dekker was averaging 13.6 points a game. The next five games, including the Big Ten Tournament, Dekker averaged 7.8 points and saw his season average dip down to 12.7 points a game.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://linapps.s3.amazonaws.com/linapps/photomojo/fox11online.com/photos/2013/01/g5912-sheboygans-sam-dekker-becomes-a-badger/118620-dunking-over-illinois-d3cab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://linapps.s3.amazonaws.com/linapps/photomojo/fox11online.com/photos/2013/01/g5912-sheboygans-sam-dekker-becomes-a-badger/118620-dunking-over-illinois-d3cab.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More attacking from Dekker will mean a more dangerous offense.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">One of the best aspects of Sam’s game is his unselfishness. While his willingness to involve teammates is admirable, especially when the Badgers have plenty of scorers, the NCAA tournament is a different matter. Someone has to be willing to take over games. Frank Kaminsky has shown he can be the go to scorer at times this season (25 and 21 points in road wins against Michigan and Iowa). But Kaminksy also has a penchant for picking up fouls (2 points, 20 minutes, 4 fouls at Illinois and 9 points, 15 minutes and 2 quick first half fouls).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lack of aggression has plagued Dekker on occasion throughout the season. Against Ohio State Bo Ryan incredulously mocked Sam’s weak-hearted effort cutting the <a href="http://thebiglead.com/2014/02/01/bo-ryan-danced-during-wisconsin-ohio-state-because-bo-ryan-loves-to-dance/">hoop</a>.&nbsp;But when Sam is on the attack, driving to the hoop or grabbing rebounds, the Badgers are better. In Badgers 26 wins, Dekker averages 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In six losses his averages dropped to 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and less than one assist. Sam is one of the few Badger players that can generate shots off the dribble and when he is aggressive it creates more open shots for everyone.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In order for Wisconsin to advance out the West Region one player will need establish themselves as the go to man. My money is on Slam Dekker.</div><o:p></o:p><br /><h3></h3><h2><b>Freshman Contributions</b></h2><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Wisconsin/2014/03/14/PI-CBK-Bronson-Koenig-Nigel-Hayes-031414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://msn.foxsports.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Wisconsin/2014/03/14/PI-CBK-Bronson-Koenig-Nigel-Hayes-031414.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig have emerged as key cogs to a Badger tournament run</td></tr></tbody></table></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig were wildcards at the beginning of the <a href="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/death-taxes-and-bo-ryan-2013-1014.html">season</a>. With one senior playing regular minutes, how quickly the two freshman could adjust to big time college basketball would go a long way toward determining the team's success. Consider Hayes and Koenig as having passed that test.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hayes really came on during Big Ten conference play, upping his per game average by over three per game. &nbsp;He gives Wisconsin another mismatch with his offensive versatility. &nbsp;He can take bigger guys off the dribble with his quickness and patented post move <a href="http://btn.com/2014/02/05/nigel-hayes-talks-about-his-move-chocolate-tornado/">Chocolate Tornado</a>. Conversely he can hit the mid-range jump shot with enough consistency to keep defenders honest.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Koenig on the other hand has had more of an up and down season playing behind three upper classmen in the back court. But after his 14 point outburst against Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, he demonstrated his ability to provide more than just consistent ball handling and decision making off the bench. If Koenig can continue to hit the outside shot, the Badgers will have seven of eight rotation players as legitimate three point threats.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If both Hayes and Koenig can continue their aggressive play they will a great chance to showcase their skills on a national stage in the tournament.<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div><h3><b>What Sends Wisconsin Home</b></h3><h2><b>No Defensive Stops</b></h2><div class="MsoNormal">Without question Wisconsin has struggled on the defensive end this season, sometimes for long stretches. During the January stretch when the Badgers lost five out of six games in two weeks, they allowed opponents to shoot 51.2% on field goal attempts including a blistering 48% from behind the arc. No matter how potent the offense is compared to previous Badger teams, you cannot win allowing teams to shoot nearly 50% from three point land.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUPRGfR69iU?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Collectively the Badgers have a tendency to lapse into lackadaisical defense. Their miscommunication was on full display in the January 22 loss at Minnesota. Sam Dekker chases non-shooting threat Oto Osenieks out toward the three point line as he attempts to screen Ben Brust guarding Austin Hollins. Brust anticipates Dekker to switch and take Hollins as he drives to the hoop. But Dekker keeps trailing Osenieks(again – a career 23% three point shooter) and Brust turns Hollins loose. The result is painful.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It doesn't get much better either. The following is a list of teams the Badgers could potentially face and their offensive efficiency from KenPom.&nbsp; If Wisconsin advances to Dallas in the Final Four they will have to beat some of the top offenses in the country. Yikes.<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.65pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 397px;"> <tbody><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"></td> <td nowrap="" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">KenPom Off. Eff.<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Rank<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Round Facing<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">American <o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">103.2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">200<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">First Round<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">BYU<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">113.7<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">27<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Round of 32<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oregon<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">117<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">12<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Round of 32<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Creighton<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">125<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">1<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sweet Sixteen<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Baylor<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">118.5<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">7<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sweet Sixteen<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Arizona<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">113.1<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">35<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Elite Eight<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 90.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oklahoma State<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 72.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="96"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">113.9<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="64"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">25<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 86.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="116"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Elite Eight<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>While they cannot be expected to suddenly turn into a defensive juggernaut, Wisconsin will need to shore up the communication and find a way to get a few big stops in order to keep dancing into March.</o:p></div><h3></h3><h2><b>Front Court Foul Trouble</b></h2><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Frank+Kaminsky+Northwestern+v+Wisconsin+yxtNcrwyfxUl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Frank+Kaminsky+Northwestern+v+Wisconsin+yxtNcrwyfxUl.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank Kaminsky and Nigel Hayes must stay on the floor.</td></tr></tbody></table></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The front court depth has been a concern all season. Certainly the emergence of Nigel Hayes has provided some relief, but he still has a tendency to pick up silly fouls. Frank Kaminsky has turned into a reliable defensive anchor and protects the rim well. However, his penchant for challenging shots almost always results in a stretch each game with him on bench infoul trouble. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Behind Hayes and Kaminsky the Badgers are dangerously thin in post players. Sam Dekker and Duje Dukan are more comfortable playing on the wing, freshman Vitto Brown and senior Evan Anderson are not quite ready for long stretches playing big time basketball.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Additionally Hayes and Kaminsky are the <s>most consistent</s>only post threats the Badgers have. Without those two on the floor, the Badgers become way too reliable on outside jump shots. As noted above Wisconsin will have to face some potent offenses to advance out of the region and in all likelihood will have win one game in a shootout (not something Bo Ryan teams are accustomed to).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Certainly the Badgers have enough capable shooters to get hot and bomb three pointers a la Jon Bryant in 2000. But this year the Badgers have been most potent when they work inside out. Without Kaminksy and Hayes getting the ball in the post, the Badgers have become too reliant on outside jumpers. Getting the defense to collapse with those two attacking inside allows the open outside shots to develop. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unless Dekker is reinvigorated slashing and attacking the rim, Hayes and Kaminsky are the best bets to keep the offensive from being one dimensional. It is imperative to keep them out of foul trouble and out on the floor.<o:p></o:p></div><h3><b>The Verdict</b></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sincaatourney.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/sam-dekker-ap2.jpg?w=600&amp;h=416" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://sincaatourney.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/sam-dekker-ap2.jpg?w=600&amp;h=416" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Brust and Sam Dekker have Wisconsin poised for its first Final Four since 2000</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />I still think this Badger team has shades of Michigan from last year. Both teams were undefeated in non-conference play and struggled somewhat in the rugged and physical Big Ten. Once Michigan entered the tournament, their offensive prowess was on full display and they were 20 minutes of a national title.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wisconsin is built a lot like that team. Not nearly as defensive oriented as Bo Ryan teams of yesteryear, the Badgers are versatile on offense. They have a nice balance of scoring. 45% of the Badger's points come on two point shots, while 31% are on three point makes. The division one average is 51% and 27% respectively.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They have also won games in a variety of styles and pace. The Badgers have beaten teams scoring in the 100s, 90s, 80s, 70s, 60s, 50s and 40s, an incredible range that speaks to their flexibility. Tournament games are often about match-ups, and Wisconsin has shown the ability to match anything they face. A good sign for the randomness and unpredictability of March Madness.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Something tells me this will be the year Bo Ryan finally gets to the Final Four. The team is talented, the bracket isn’t overwhelming and eventually, a coach as good a Bo gets to the Final Four, right?<br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />- Neal Olson<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/wisconsin-badger-2014-tournament-preview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7738883740565584303Sat, 01 Mar 2014 00:47:00 +00002014-03-01T05:45:31.888-06:002014 NFL DraftAaron DonaldC.J. FiedorowiczChristian JonesCody HoffmanCornelius LucasDavid FalesGreen Bay PackersKenneth LadlerL'Damian WashingtonMock DraftNFL CombineTrent MurphyPackers Post-NFL Combine 7 Round Mock Draft<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Packers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Packers Post-NFL Combine 7 Round Mock Draft" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/packers-post-nfl-combine-7-round-mock.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />The NFL Combine took place last week which showcased many NFL hopefuls that were judged on various drills, tests, and questions. Since we're just ten days away from free agency starting and sixty nine days away from the NFL Draft, here is my second-to-last Packers Mock Draft I'll be doing until draft day rolls in.<b> </b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1203/ncf_u_donald1x_400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1203/ncf_u_donald1x_400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: ESPN</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Round 1, Pick 21 - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh</b><br /><br />No defensive lineman's stock has risen more than Aaron Donald's. Some will question whether he'll even make it to the Packers at Pick 21. Quick on his feet and he fits the role of what Green Bay is looking for in a faster defense over guys like Louis Nix and Ra'Shede Hageman, even though Nix and Hageman are ideal 3-4 linemen. At one point last season at Pittsburgh he led the nation in sacks and loss per tackle. He had an outstanding combine...best of all linemen, some said.<br /><br />I'm banking that the Steelers taking a safety, Chicago drafting Hageman, and Dallas taking Nix or Jernigan, leaving Donald on the board for Green Bay. It's more likely Donald is on the board at #21 overall than it is C.J. Mosely, who is even being considered a Top 10 pick now. Because Aaron Donald lacks the typical height you would want in a lineman, he could drop down to Green Bay. But don't let his size fool you. Rob Rang of CBS Sports wrote that he "comes off the snap like he was shot out of a cannon". The Packers need someone explosive on this defensive line if Raji, Wilson, Jolly, and Pickett are all gone next year.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Round 2, Pick 53 - Trent Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford</b><br /><br />This is an obvious choice. Clay Matthews has longed for an outside linebacker to mirror him on the opposite side of the field to provide a dual pass rush. Nick Perry was supposed to be that man, but has not stayed healthy enough to prove himself after being drafted just two years ago. And, now with there are talks among the Packers organization that Nick Perry is in line to play more of a hybrid linebacker/defensive end position, the Packers will be looking for depth at outside linebacker.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/2013_Trent_Murphy_OLB_UCLA_at_Stanford_(28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/2013_Trent_Murphy_OLB_UCLA_at_Stanford_(28).jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a>There are multiple reports that indicate Ted Thompson is very high on Trent. Ted and a few members of the scout team spoke with Trent at the Senior Bowl. Murphy is 6'5", 252 pounds which likely means he's better suited to be a linebacker instead of a defensive end. Take the conversation he had with the scouting team with a grain of salt, though. The scouting department will likely talk to hundreds of draft eligible players that will go unreported. However, Trent fits the system and will likely be available in the second round.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Round 3, Pick 85 -&nbsp; CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa</b><br /><br />As <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-tap-familiar-pipeline-at-iowa-b99199932z1-244151971.html" target="_blank">noted by Tyler Dunne</a> of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers have a good history of drafting Iowa Hawkeyes. CJ could be the next one to come wear green and gold. Over the last four drafts, Ted Thompson has drafted Iowa players in three of them (Mike Daniels, Bryan Bulaga, and Micah Hyde). CJ has the potential to come into Green Bay and receive the starting role as TE1 with the unlikely returns of Jermichael Finley (injury) and Andrew Quarless (God's awful gift). He'd be a weapon for Aaron Rodgers to utilize across the middle as well as a shield to block for Eddie Lacy and Rodgers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sports-odds.com/images/assets/2013/07/christian-jones-fsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sports-odds.com/images/assets/2013/07/christian-jones-fsu.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a><b>Round 3, Compensatory Pick (Greg Jennings) - Christian Jones, ILB, Florida State</b><br /><br />The Packers will likely have an extra pick in the third round when they receive compensation for losing Greg Jennings to the Vikings in free agency. At worst, it would be a fourth round pick, but we'll assume its a third rounder for the time being.<br /><br />Not even Jesus could save the Packer's defense last year, so maybe adding Christian will help? Christian Jones is a tackling machine. He stuffs the running game and creates turnovers. In his senior year he had 7.5 tackles for loss and six quarterback hits. With A.J. Hawk rapidly aging and Brad Jones consistently being inconsistent, its time to add some depth to inside linebacker.<br /><br /><i>NOTE: If Christian Jones is off the board, I'd be very comfortable with Green Bay selecting Michigan State inside linebacker Max Bullough here. Regardless of how his season ended, he's a leader on defense. He has a great understanding of the game. Max had an outstanding combine (4.78 40-yard dash and 30 reps of 225 pounds which was most by any other inside linebacker). If he can prove to coaches that his off the field incident won't repeat itself again, his stock will rise back up to where it was. </i><br /><br /><br /><b>Round 4, Pick ?? - Kenneth Ladler, FS, Vanderbilt</b><br /><br />Another guy Ted Thompson reportedly has his eyes on, Kenny Ladler is one of the most under the radar guys in this draft class. Much like Iowa, Ted Thompson has started to take notice of the talent being produced by Vanderbilt (Casey Hayward and Sean Richardson have come in the last two NFL Drafts). He was selected to the All-SEC team last year and was the only player in college football with five+ interceptions and five+ forced fumbles. He's 6'0", 200 pounds and shows quick speed and potential to be an elite defender. Some draft analysts say he could be just as good if not better than Ha-Ha Clinton Dix and Calvin Pryor. The Packers need all the help they can get at safety, and drafting a play maker is a good start. Don't count free agency out, either.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyVlKWNGqtg/UY7M1AmVZAI/AAAAAAAAAMs/uYsUce_RgqM/s1600/DavidFales.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyVlKWNGqtg/UY7M1AmVZAI/AAAAAAAAAMs/uYsUce_RgqM/s1600/DavidFales.png" height="320" width="320" /></a><b>Round 5, Pick ?? - David Fales, QB, San Jose State</b><br /><br />Mike McCarthy recently stated to the media that the Packers will look to take a quarterback relatively early in the draft after everything that happened last year. I don't buy the "early" part, but I do think the Packers may want to look at drafting one to develop. David Fales fits the Green Bay offense the best out of all the quarterbacks that will likely be left at this point, unless of course somehow Alabama's AJ McCarron drops this far down.<br /><br />There's not much to dislike about David Fales. He's very accurate. He can pick up yards on his feet if he has to. But, he's classified as a pocket passer. He's got a very decent arm to throw the deep ball. He does a great job at leading his receivers. At San Jose he played under different formations such as shotgun, under center, pistol, etc. He's a little short, but is receiving comparisons to Matt Ryan and Eli Manning. I'd say David would be a perfect project for Green Bay to take on to mold into a solid back up QB for the time being.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Round 6, Pick ?? - Cody Hoffman, WR, Brigham Young</b><br /><br />The sixth round will be where the Packers buy more ammunition for Aaron Rodgers. First Cody Hoffman from BYU. He's BYU's all-time leading receiver with 3,612 yards (prevously held by Austin Collie) over four seasons with the team to go along with 33 touchdown catches. Hoffman had his best game of the year come against the Wisconsin Badgers as he hauled in two touchdowns on 113 yards receiving. With a report stating that James Jones is likely not returning to the Packers next year, the Packers will need to add depth behind Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Jarrett Boykin. Standing in at 6'4" and weighing 210 pounds, Hoffman is not a very bad WR4 option by any means.<br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>Round 6, Compensatory Pick (Eric Walden) - L'Damian Washington, WR, Missouri</b><br /><br />With the team's second compensatory pick, the Packers should take another wide out that has kick returning potential as that was something Green Bay couldn't figure out in 2013. Washington ran a 4.46 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is very impressive. He is one of the taller wide outs in this draft as well coming in at 6'4" and weighing 205 pounds. Washington could also fill in for the departing James Jones as stated above. With the team needing a realistic kick returning option and not a flavor of the week like Johnathan Franklin, Jeremy Ross, etc. etc. etc., L'Damian is a great pick especially this late in the draft. Washington caught 15 touchdowns for 1,735 yards during his tenure at Missouri. <br /><br /><br /><b>Round 7, Pick ?? - Cornelius Lucas, OT, Kansas State</b><br /><br />The dude is 6'8", 316 pounds. With all of the returning linemen that were injured last season, we may want to draft some depth for the offensive line just in case. Plus, Marshall Newhouse does not belong on the team next year in any format whatsoever. If no one gets hurt, he can be placed on the practice squad. With a guy that size potentially available in the 7th round, you take him in a heartbeat strictly for value purposes. Simple as that.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/packers-post-nfl-combine-7-round-mock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7638431755593438774Tue, 18 Feb 2014 23:55:00 +00002014-02-18T17:56:54.370-06:00BJ RajiClay MatthewsDom CapersGreen Bay PackersSam ShieldsTed ThompsonFive Free Agents the Packers Should Sign<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Packers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Five Free Agents The Packers Should Sign" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-free-agents-packers-should-sign.html" data-via="Stevie2Westside" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />NFL Free Agency starts in three weeks, but this date has not really mattered to fans since Ted Thompson has become the General Manager.&nbsp; The Green Bay Packers are a draft and develop team, plain and simple.&nbsp; However, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network broke the story that the Packers were going to spend in free agency and spend big.&nbsp; The latest news has the Packers signing up to five free agents to revamp their limp noodle defense.&nbsp; The defensive line, linebacking core and secondary all need upgrades.&nbsp; <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jerseyal.com/GBP/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/samshields2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jerseyal.com/GBP/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/samshields2.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jersey Al's Packer Blog</td></tr></tbody></table>Let me clear a few things up for Packers fans.&nbsp; The Packers are not going to sign Jimmy Graham.&nbsp; They will not be signing Jarius Byrd.&nbsp; The franchise tag will be used on several of the top free agents available.&nbsp; So, let’s take a look at five options the Packers can realistically add to their team through free agency.<br /><br /><b>Re-sign Sam Shields </b><br /><br />Priority number one is resigning Sammy.&nbsp; He has continued to grow each of the last four seasons and had his best season in 2013.&nbsp; Tramon Williams had a bounce back second half of the season in 2013, so locking up Shields on the other side makes sense.&nbsp; He will not come cheaply, especially since Drew Rosenhaus is his agent.&nbsp; I do not expect the Packers to use the franchise tag on Shields, however I am expecting a deal to come before free agency begins.<br /><br /><b>Sign a safety: TJ Ward or Donte Whitner</b><br /><br />TJ Ward may be franchised, so I will not spend a lot of time on him.&nbsp; If he is not tagged, the Packers should take a look at pairing up the 27 year old to form a stronger back end of the secondary.&nbsp; Whitner is a 28 year old safety that has played for the 49ers and has his best statistical year in 2013.&nbsp; Whitner has always been known for his run stopping ability, but his coverage was always a liability.&nbsp; Everything changed this year when he partnered with Eric Reid.&nbsp; Whitner turned a corner with his coverage and would be a welcome addition to the Packers secondary. *Note- There has been internal Packers discussion about moving Micah Hyde to safety.<br /><br /><b>Sign OLB Jason Worilds</b><br /><br />The Packers have been looking for a complimentary OLB to pair with Clay Matthews for a while.&nbsp; Nick Perry has shown some flashes, however he has not been able to stay healthy.&nbsp; Enter Jason Worilds.&nbsp; The fifth year player out&nbsp; of Pitt would fit perfectly across from Matthews.&nbsp; Worilds broke out this year, with 8.0 sacks and ended up starting for Pittsburgh the second half of the season.&nbsp; The Packers are not giving up on Perry, just being realistic by bringing in some talent far superior to anything previously on the roster.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20110310-hatcherdeluca.jpg.ece/BINARY/w620x413/HATCHERDELUCA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20110310-hatcherdeluca.jpg.ece/BINARY/w620x413/HATCHERDELUCA.JPG" height="203" width="320" /></a><b>Sign DT Jason Hatcher</b><br /><br />You may have noticed B.J. Raji has not appeared on this list.&nbsp; The Packers need someone who can make a difference in the middle.&nbsp; Raji seems to have lost that and paying him eight million dollars a year is insane.&nbsp; Here comes Hatcher from the Cowboys.&nbsp; The Cowboys are in salary cap hell, so they are letting Hatcher go.&nbsp; The 32 year old will be a great veteran addition to the young defensive line.&nbsp; Hatcher had a career year with 11.0 sacks.&nbsp; Do not expect 11 sacks next year, but maybe 6 or 7 from the DT. Anything&nbsp; would be a huge improvement over Raji’s goose egg this year. The signing of Hatcher would be a good start, but the Packers should still draft a DT in the 1st or 2nd round of the upcoming draft.&nbsp;&nbsp; Several mock drafts have the Packers linked to Notre Dame’s Louis Nix III and Minnesota’s Rashede Hageman as 1st round picks.<br /><b><br />Sign a DE: Lamarr Houston/Corey Wooten/Julius Peppers</b><br /><br />Things get a little murky here.&nbsp; It is difficult to imagine the Packers signing a very high profile free agent like Houston.&nbsp; If he is not franchised, the Raiders have over $60 million in cap space to resign the defensive end.&nbsp; The 6’3”, 300 pound defensive end is exactly the player the Packers need to solidify the defensive line.&nbsp; At 26 years old, he would be a great long tern fit if the Packers are willing to spend big.<br /><br />It is much more likely the Packers will spend less and try to get some bang for their buck.&nbsp; I give you Corey Wooten and Julius Peppers.&nbsp; The Packers are raiding the Chicago Bears closet.&nbsp; At 6’6’’, Wooten is the tall, athletic end Dom Capers is looking for.&nbsp; 2010 and 2011 were injury riddled seasons for Wooten, but he broke out with 7.0 sacks in 2012.&nbsp; In 2013, the Bears were depleted at DT, so they moved him inside.&nbsp; His sack total dipped to 3.5, but he was being a team player.&nbsp; Wooten could be a bargain this year in free agency.<br /><br />Peppers is most likely a cap casualty.&nbsp; He has an $18.18 million cap hit this year.&nbsp; He is 34 years old, but still has a little something left in the tank.&nbsp; A 6’7’’ defensive end that only has to play on passing downs would be quite the fit.&nbsp; There have a been a few rumors of Peppers heading back to Carolina on the cheap, but why not the Packers?<br /><br />The Packers have plenty of holes and hopefully free agency will help fill a few and the draft will take care of the rest.&nbsp; I still am a little skeptical of Thompson really hitting free agency hard, but the draft alone will not fix the Packers defense.&nbsp; I did not address a few of the other free agents the Packers have, so let me hit those quickly.&nbsp; I think Evan Dietrich-Smith is gone, with JC Tretter the most likely to fill in.&nbsp; I am not sure anyone is going to pay James Jones the money he wants, but I do believe he will sign with the New York Giants to reunite with new offensive coordinator McAdoo.&nbsp; I also believe Finley will be with another team next season and I fully expect the Packers to address the TE position in the draft.&nbsp; I still have a gut feeling that Brandon Bostick will be a really good TE in a year or two. <br /><br />Packers fans can finally look forward to free agency, but do not expect this trend to continue every year.&nbsp; This has the feeling of a one night stand between Ted Thompson and the free agent market.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Steve Perhach <br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-free-agents-packers-should-sign.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8049095995843761740Sun, 16 Feb 2014 17:25:00 +00002014-02-16T11:27:41.313-06:00Carlos GomezJean SeguraJuan FranciscoMark ReynoldsMilwaukee BrewersNorichika AokiRickie WeeksScooter GennettThree Things To Watch This Spring For The Brewers<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-related="WISportsBog" data-text="Three Things To Watch This Spring For The Brewers" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/three-things-to-watch-this-spring-for.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />As pitchers and catchers report to camp for the Milwaukee Brewers, many questions remain unanswered. Although the progression of Spring Training will provide clarity to these questions that arose during the offseason, here are a few things to watch during this Spring Training for The Crew.<br /><br /><b>1. Who's on first? Who's on second?</b><br /><br />There will be major competition to two positions throughout spring as there is a three way (maybe even a four way) battle at for a two-man platoon of first base and a two-man battle for playing time at second base.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rickie-weeks-6_21_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rickie-weeks-6_21_11.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a>Juan Francisco will be joined by either Mark Reynolds or Lyle Overbay on the Opening Day 25 man roster once the dust settles from Spring Training. Both Reynolds and Overbay were signed on minor league deals with invites to major league spring training to duke it out for a starting first base position. Unless there is an injury, I don't see how Lyle Overbay makes the 25 man roster. I really think this one may be locked up before spring training even begins. Could a name like Sean Halton or Hunter Morris emerge as a candidate as well? I'd say yes, but there's a reason why the Brewers went out and signed Reynolds and Overbay in the first place.<br /><br />As for second base, either Rickie Weeks or Scooter Gennett will be starting at second base on Opening Day while the other will ride the bench and enjoy some sunflower seeds and Gatorade. No matter who starts and who doesn't on Opening Day, though, this will be a platoon just like first base. Who ever plays and who doesn't will ultimately reflect on the pitching match-up and obviously who's swinging the hot bat and who's not. Earlier in the offseason, Ron Roenicke implied that Scooter Gennett was the favorite to be the starting second baseman heading into the 2014 season, but all of that can change with a hot spring by the recently married Rickie Weeks.<br /><br /><br /><b>2. Who will take over the lead off duties?</b><br /><br />The Brewers have an extremely large void at the lead off spot in the batting order now that Norichika Aoki is gone as he was traded to the Royals earlier this offseason for south-paw pitcher Will Smith. The plus about Aoki is that he always found a way to get on base. Infield singles, bunting, hit by pitches, walking...he found a way to get on. Aoki also lead the entire league in at bats per strikeout at 14.9. In order to replicate the same offensive statistics as the Brewers did last year, they will need to be careful on who they put in that role.<br /><br />Because of his speed, the obvious candidate that comes to mind for some would be Carlos Gomez. He had a break out year last season and is set up to have an even bigger one this year. That being said, Carlos is not known for being patient at the plate and tends to strike out more often than not. Granted he set personal records in hits (152), batting average (.284), on base % (.338), stolen bases (40), and walks (37) last season, he also set a personal record in strikeouts (146). I personally think he's better suited batting in the two-hole behind the lead-off hitter or in the 6th spot in the order if his power stroke returns. His placement depends on who else is in the lineup that day.<br /><br /><a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511992e4e4b084d1d0b0e149/5216e12ee4b046d1ac595d44/5216e6f9e4b03ea294411a76/1377235800513/Segura%20bunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511992e4e4b084d1d0b0e149/5216e12ee4b046d1ac595d44/5216e6f9e4b03ea294411a76/1377235800513/Segura%20bunt.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>The most realistic candidate for the leadoff spot is Jean Segura. He's got about the same amount of speed as Carlos Gomez. He offers the same attributes and Nori Aoki did as a lead off hitter. Segura's on base percentage of .329 is right on cue with the league average (.329). Segura and Aoki have the same exact RC/9 (runs created per 9 innings/27 outs). Basically, if you took nine Jean Seguras or nine Nori Aokis and put them in a lineup, they would produce 4.8 runs per game. They both have near identical offensive win % (Jean is .543, Nori is .545) Just like RC/9, if you have nine of either player, you would win 54% of your games. One of my favorite advanced stats to look at for a lead off hitter is total average. You find that by adding up total bases, hit by pitches, walks, and stolen bases (subtract caught stealing) and divide that by subtracting hits from at bats and then adding caught stealing and ground in to double players (Total Bases + HBP + BB + SB - CS) / (AB - H + CS + GIDP). By doing that, you'll find that Jean Segura beats out Nori Aoki's .660 total average with a .699 total average of his own.<br /><br />(Note: Scooter Gennett has a lot to work on before he can even be considered as a lead off hitter.) <br /><br />My quick projected lineup for opening day:<br /><br />(Assuming LHP Mike Minor is Atlanta's Opening Day Starter)<br /><br />1. Jean Segura<br />2. Carlos Gomez<br />3. Ryan Braun<br />4. Aramis Ramirez<br />5. Mark Reynolds<br />6. Jonathon Lucroy<br />7. Rickie Weeks<br />8. Khris Davis<br />9. Yovani Gallardo<br /><br />(Assuming RHP Kris Medlen is Atlanta's Opening Day Starter)<br /><br />1. Jean Segura<br />2. Scooter Gennett<br />3. Ryan Braun<br />4. Aramis Ramirez<br />5. Jonathon Lucroy<br />6. Carlos Gomez<br />7. Juan Francisco<br />8. Khris Davis<br />9. Yovani Gallardo<br /><br /><br /><b>3. Who will round out the final spots of the bullpen?</b><br /><br />The bullpen has between four to five spots already filled. You'd have to assume that Jim Henderson, Francisco Rodriguez, Brandon Kintzler, Tom Gorzelanny, and Will Smith all have bullpen spots secured. That being said, there are about five more guys available for the Brewers to pick from to fill the final two spots.<br /><br /><b>Tyler Thornburg</b> - With the signing of Matt Garza, Tyler Thornburg was unfortunately bumped from the starting rotation. He could still make the team, but he'll have to settle for a bullpen role. If he has a strong spring and the Brewers think he's more valuable in the Brewers bullpen rather in the Sounds starting rotation, he could take one of the final spots.<br /><br /><b>Rob Wooten</b> - We got to see Rob for the first time last season. He produced a respectable 3-1 record, 3.90 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 27.2 innings pitched. He has good control and movement on his low-90s fastball. He makes a case to make the bullpen.<br /><br /><b>Alfredo Figaro</b> - The flamethrower could find his way back into the bullpen if the Brewers feel they need his arm back in there. I, however, feel Figaro will be DFA'd when a spot for Mark Reynolds needs to be cleared.<br /><br /><b>Michael Blazek</b> - Acquired from the Cardinals last season in which we sent them John Axford, some say Michael Blazek is John Axford 2.0. Big arm with closer potential. He'll definitely get a serious look.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/assets/images/1/1/4/64626114/cuts/Wei_ChungWang1280_d5hu27bp_yja85n1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/assets/images/1/1/4/64626114/cuts/Wei_ChungWang1280_d5hu27bp_yja85n1j.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: brewers.com</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Wei-Chung Wang</b> - A Rule 5 Draft pick, Wang (right) would have to stay on the Brewers' 25 man roster for the entire season. Otherwise, he'd be sent back to the Pirates unless the Brewers and Pirates work out some sort of deal. Wang will be given a look this spring, but it's going to be difficult for him to stay on the team when he's never pitched passed rookie ball. He may end up becoming a trade chip if he pitches well.<br /><br />Outside looking in: Donovan Hand, Jimmy Nelson, Zach Duke, Michael Olmsted. <br /><br />Hopefully this gets everyone even more excited for Brewers baseball! 43 days until Opening Day. 43 days.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/three-things-to-watch-this-spring-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7374891134662363030Sat, 15 Feb 2014 01:53:00 +00002014-02-14T19:55:36.745-06:00Milwaukee BrewersRyan BraunWisconsin Sports BlogAudio: 2014 Milwaukee Brewers Season Preview<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="AUDIO: 2014 Milwaukee Brewers Season Preview" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/audio-2014-milwaukee-brewers-season.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />Today I had the opportunity to join Evan and Troy on the <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/redlightramble" target="_blank">Red Light Sports Ramble</a>. The trio of us discussed different topics about the Brewers heading into spring training tomorrow morning. How will Ryan Braun play in 2014 after the steroid mess is in the rear view? Who is the most exciting addition to the Brewers this year? Who's on first? Who's on second? Can Aramis Ramirez stay healthy this year? Is there too much weight on the shoulders of Khris Davis? All that is discussed and more...<br /><br />You can follow both hosts and the show's feed on Twitter:<br /><br />Troy - <a href="https://twitter.com/RedLightRamble" target="_blank">@RedLightRamble</a><br />Evan - <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Edubs1250intern">@Edubs1250intern</a><br />Red Light Sports Ramble -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1816857476"></span>@RdLghtSprtsRmbl </a><span id="goog_1816857477"></span><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cGQ31rQIpz4" width="640"></iframe> <br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/audio-2014-milwaukee-brewers-season.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-4049899768087505493Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:37:00 +00002014-02-12T07:11:39.978-06:00Gilbert LaraMilwaukee BrewersNorichika AokiBrewers to Sign a Dominican Third Base Prospect?<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Brewers to Sign a Dominican Third Base Prospect?" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/brewers-to-sign-dominican-third-base.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br><br><div>UPDATE 2/12/14 7:08am - Dominican July 2 prospect Yirver Gilbert Lara is reportedly said by some scouts to have agreed to a $3.2MM signing bonus with the Brewers. Lara's trainer, Jaime Ramos, told MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez that "there is nothing concrete and there are still a lot of teams interested in him," including the Brewers, Royals, Yankees, and Twins. Whether or not Lara lands in Milwaukee, explain Sanchez and his MLB.com colleague Adam McCalvy, the Brewers appear set to embark on greatly increased levels of international spending and player development efforts. (The team's largest international bonus awards to date are just $800K.) [via MLBTradeRumors.com]</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dplbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dplbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lara.jpg" height="396" width="400"></a></div><br><br>Scout.com's Kiley McDaniel posted an article a few days ago looking ahead to the July 2nd market for international prospects. He mentions a rumor that Dominican third baseman Gilbert Lara already has a $3.2MM deal in place with the Milwaukee Brewers, who he mentions are not generally known for splashy international signings. (via MLBTradeRumors.com)<br><br>Here is the excerpt from Kiley's article:<br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span class="storybody">"<a href="http://sbb.scout.com/a.z?s=381&amp;p=8&amp;c=1&amp;nid=7515866" target="_blank">Gilbert Lara</a> has the loose, handsy, fluid swing that scouts are looking for with the plus bat speed and raw power to project as a future All-Star. He hit a number of balls out to left field at the heavily scouted MLB showcase and hit a triple and homerun in the game portion of the event. The chatter among scouts is the Dominican third baseman has an agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers for a $3.2 million bonus</span>" </i></blockquote><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6DbudA9k5rM" width="640"></iframe> <br><br><br>Here is a link to a page I found on <a href="http://dplbaseball.com/scouts-corner/gilbert-lara-ss-2014/" target="_blank">Gilbert Lara</a> that has a scouting video of him. He's listed at a shortstop, but will likely see his services utilized at third base in the big leagues.<br><br>This is a big deal for the Brewers, as mentioned above they tend to stay out of the "big name" international guys. So, this is very promising to see our scouting department and financial staff are seeing eye to eye regarding international prospects. Norichika Aoki was also a surprise a few years back when the Brewers were top bidder on him.<br><br>Nothing will be official until July 2nd, but Brewers fans should be very excited about this.<br><br><br>Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br><br>-Andrew Vrchota<br><br>Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/brewers-to-sign-dominican-third-base.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-4113526807658346824Fri, 07 Feb 2014 13:39:00 +00002014-02-07T07:41:35.282-06:00Green Bay PackersNick CollinsNick Collins Wants to Play in the NFL - Are Any Teams Interested?<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Packers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Nick Collins Wants to Play in the NFL - Are Any Teams Interested?" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/nick-collins-wants-to-play-in-nfl-are.html" data-via="olewr7" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />It all started with a tweet:<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Who's looking for a top notch free safety. This kid is ready to dominate #2014<br />— Nick Collins (@nickdapick36) <a href="https://twitter.com/nickdapick36/statuses/430553782611873792">February 4, 2014</a></blockquote><br />Just like that, a Nick Collins return to football seemed imminent. Since suffering a neck injury in week 2 of the 2011 season, Collins has been bound and determined to get back on the playing field. Here's a quick look at some possible destinations for the Super Bowl Champion free safety.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXImKnhwFk8/UvPuZqcK4TI/AAAAAAAAAEE/EpyQFec0hhU/s1600/packers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXImKnhwFk8/UvPuZqcK4TI/AAAAAAAAAEE/EpyQFec0hhU/s1600/packers.png" height="131" width="200" /></a><b>Packers</b> - the first team that comes to mind obviously since Collins has played every single snap of his NFL career in Green and Gold. To top it off, the Packers are in desperate need of improved play at safety. It seems this match would be a perfect fit. But, the Packers notoriously cautious medical staff (see collarbone - Rodgers, Aaron) is unlikely to give clearance for Collins to suit up. At the time of the injury Collins was 28 years old, and at 30 now has age working against him as well. Mike McCarthy is on record saying if Nick Collins was his son he would not let him play. As much as everyone on the JS Comments board wants Collins back in Green Bay, it just isn't happening.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XZ0Sa-OLf0/UvPfaiqa_VI/AAAAAAAAADk/Q8sZwaQNFZc/s1600/dikembe.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XZ0Sa-OLf0/UvPfaiqa_VI/AAAAAAAAADk/Q8sZwaQNFZc/s1600/dikembe.png" height="171" width="200" /></a><b><br /></b><br /><b>Possibility: Dikembe Mutobmo finger wave (not in Ted's House)</b><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj4EZbcZ_R4/UvPuZt8JK7I/AAAAAAAAAEI/PIEhcoFNblc/s1600/bears.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj4EZbcZ_R4/UvPuZt8JK7I/AAAAAAAAAEI/PIEhcoFNblc/s1600/bears.png" height="131" width="200" /></a><b>Bears</b> - Of Chicago's two safeties, one is a free agent(Major Wright) and the other(Chris Conte) was so inconsistent Bears fans took to <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/chicago-bears-fans-get-confused--tweet-insults-to-wrong-chris-conte-220644754.html">harassing a Nashville television reporter</a>&nbsp;after his gaffes. It's hard to imagine Conte lining up in the Bears secondary after turning Randall Cobb loose for the game winning touchdown. Particularly in the NFC North with pass oriented Detriot and Green Bay, top notch safety play is a must. Plus it would continue the trend of division rivals gambling on former Packers players (see Vikings, Minnesota).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Possibility: Remote&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPnYBjv1KJo/UvPtnAtSyWI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ym_aDIvA5R0/s1600/texans.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPnYBjv1KJo/UvPtnAtSyWI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ym_aDIvA5R0/s1600/texans.png" height="180" width="200" /></a><b>Texans - </b>Houston gambled on a clearly washed up Ed Reed last season and the results were disastrous to the point where they now own the #1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. It's hard to say what philosophy new coach Bill O'Brien will bring to Houston. But he did spend five years in New England under Bill Belichick who was notorious for taking veteran players no other team wanted and squeezing a few more years of success out of them (see Dillon, Corey and Moss, Randy). The Texans have one of the best front seven defensive fronts in the league. The pressure they cause could help ease Collins back onto the field where he doesn't feel pressed to make big plays every down.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Possibility: Never say never</b></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MNPZx7A8dw/UvPtnleTAnI/AAAAAAAAAD8/1ndql9j30EE/s1600/chiefs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MNPZx7A8dw/UvPtnleTAnI/AAAAAAAAAD8/1ndql9j30EE/s1600/chiefs.png" height="131" width="200" /></a><b>Chiefs - </b>With three safeties set to be free agents in 2014 in Kendrick Lewis, Quintin Demps and Husain Abdullah, Kansas City will be in the market at safety. But wait there's more. The GM in Kansas City is none other than former Packers Director of College Scouting and Director of Player Personnel John Dorsey. Dorsey played a large part in drafting Nick Collins in the second round of the 2005 draft and could be persuaded into taking another chance to help his new team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Possibility:&nbsp;</b><b>So you're saying there's a chance?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The road back to the NFL will be a long one for Nick Collins. When healthy he was one of the premier defensive backs in the league. However under the back drop of recent litigation the NFL has faced regarding player safety, particularly for head and neck trauma, it seems to be a long shot a team can justify taking a chance on him. Whether Collins returns to the field in 2014 or after, Packer fans will always have this moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/STkZUAGO_i0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/STkZUAGO_i0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/STkZUAGO_i0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />- Neal Olson<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/nick-collins-wants-to-play-in-nfl-are.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-4402869952227071002Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:41:00 +00002014-01-29T11:43:30.297-06:00C.J. MosleyGreen Bay PackersRa'Shede HagemanTed ThompsonTre Boston2014 Green Bay Packers First Round Draft Preview<a class="twitter-share-button" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="2014 Green Bay Packers First Round Draft Preview" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-green-bay-packers-first-round.html" data-via="olewr7" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.jrn.com/images/ap-nfl-draft-packers-football(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.jrn.com/images/ap-nfl-draft-packers-football(2).jpg" height="323" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who do Ted Thompson and the Packers scouting staff have their eyes on?</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">It's Super Bowl week and the NFL draft is still four months away. But college football's post season scouting showcase games are complete so now seems like a good time to become familiar with potential Packer draft targets. To begin with we'll look at players that could be on the board in the first round. Organized within a descending order from positions of need, these players are most likely to be wearing Green and Gold on draft day(or at least should be). Quick aside - I just can't bring myself to look at tight ends in the first round. There are too many other defensive positions that need impact players.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">The following list comes with the qualifier always noted with Ted Thompson drafts; the best player available is almost always selected over reaching for a player at a position of need.&nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Position of Need</b>: </span></u><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Safety</span></u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></b></h2><h3><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></b></h3><b></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media2.fox11online.com/photo/2013/09/13/AP718674606842_1379109342896_2925220_ver1.0_640_480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.fox11online.com/photo/2013/09/13/AP718674606842_1379109342896_2925220_ver1.0_640_480.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packers need improved safety play to avoid plays like this</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">The lack of production from the safety position in 2013 has been rehashed endlessly since the end of the season. Zero turnovers and only five passes defensed are pretty strong supporting evidence that change of some kind is needed. However, the Packers extended Morgan Burnett last summer to the tune of 4 years and $25 million dollars, $8.25 million guaranteed. $8 million is a lot of money to give up on a player quickly, especially for the traditionally reluctant to give up on homegrown talent Thompson. Someone to play along side of Burnett is a must going into 2014, whether through the draft or free agency. The unfortunate truth for the Packers is this draft lacking high end talent at safety.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HaHa Clinton-Dix 6-1 210 lbs Alabama</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Clinton-Dix is really the only sure fire first round pick at safety in this year's class. He continues the recent trend from Alabama of defensive backs taken day one of the draft following the footsteps of Mark Barron(#7-2012) and Dee Millner(#9-2013). Clinton-Dix is big and rangy, he breaks on the ball well and shows natural ability to make big plays. The only real knock was his two game suspension this past season taking a loan from an assistant coach. However, barring a complete no show at the combine, Clinton-Dix is unlikely to available when the Packers pick at 21.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Calvin Pryor 6-2 208 lbs Louisville</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>Like Clinton-Dix, Pryor is an early entrant to the NFL draft leaving Louisville after his junior season. Pryor is a big physical player and his more than comfortable coming up to make plays near the line of scrimmage. In coverage Pryor played a lot of deep zone where he used his speed and big hitting to control the back end of the defense. He was not asked to play much man to man coverage in college. Lack of man coverage combined with lesser competition in the American Athletic Conference are the biggest factors holding Pryor back from a definite first round grade. Pryor figures to be around when the Packers make their first round selection, but whether he grades out high enough will largely depend on his Combine performance.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><b>Tre Boston 6-1 205 lbs North Carolina</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The reports on Boston are mixed, some view him as a second or third round pick, while others have him lower. His career production at North Carolina cannot be dismissed though. He had 13 interceptions, three forced fumbles and 20 passes broken up. All the areas the Packers are desperate to improve. Boston also spent time at corner and has the top end speed and coverage skills necessary to play safety in today's pass happy NFL. That being said, Boston will most likely not be called with the Packer's pick at 21. He will remain on the radar though after spending some time with Ted Thompson at the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier in January.</span></div><div><br /><h2><u><b>Position of Need: Defensive Line</b></u></h2><br /><span style="font-size: large;">BJ Raji, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly are all free agents. Raji seems interested playing in a different scheme capable of showcasing his pass rushing prowess. He turned down an $8 million a year offer from Green Bay prior to last season and after this year's disappointing performance isn't likely to be given that kind of offer from Ted Thompson again. Pickett and Jolly are both on the wrong side of 30 and Jolly is in progress of rehabbing a significant neck injury. It seems fair to assume bolstering the D-line has to be the second on the list of priorities during the off season.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ra'Shede Hageman 6-6 311 lbs Minnesota<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rotoworld.com/image.ashx?id=7648@1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rotoworld.com/image.ashx?id=7648@1" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hageman might be the pick to rejuvenate an older defensive line</td></tr></tbody></table></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Hageman has all the measurable NFL scouts look for in defensive linemen. He has the size and strength to play on the interior of the line as well as the foot speed and explosiveness to attack quarterbacks from the edge. The biggest knock on Hageman is similar for a lot of college defensive lineman; he lacked consistent high level effort from on every play. But his size and versatility will be coveted on draft day, and he seems likely to be around when the Packers are on the clock in the first round. Unless someone drops unexpectedly from the top of the draft, don’t be surprised if Thompson pulls the trigger on Hageman.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Aaron Donald DT 6-0 285 lbs Pittsburgh<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Dodson was one of the dominant players at the Senior Bowl and has positioned himself to move into the first round despite lacking ideal size. He had a terrific regular season as well. He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Defensive Player of the Year), Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year), Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman) and Lombardi Award (Outstanding Lineman). Bottom line, Donald is a good football player. The Packers have shown their willingness to gamble on undersized lineman. Mike Daniels was also considered smaller for his position and ended up being one of the most consistent defensive players for Green Bay in 2013. The question for Thompson will be whether a line with two undersized players can hold up in a division with Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte and Reggie Bush.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Louis Nix NT 6-3 340 lbs Notre Dame<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Nix fits the mold of the pro typical 3-4 nose tackle. With a mammoth frame, he uses his body well, plays with the strength and leverage needed to occupy double teams and hold the point of attack along the line. At times he even displayed explosiveness to rush the passer for the interior of the line. Nix recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Considering the recent struggles the Packers have had with injuries, they may want to avoid taking someone already in the middle of rehabbing.</span><br /><br /><h2><u><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Position of Need: Linebacker</span></b></u></h2><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Clay Matthews is locked in at one outside linebacker spot. The other three positions could all improve. Nick Perry has been inconsistent throughout his two years but has battled injuries so it’s probably too early to give up on him. AJ Hawk and Brad Jones are average at best. Dom Caper’s 3-4 scheme relies heavily on a dynamic linebacker core to make plays in the run and pass game. Really the only consistent playmaker the Packers have is Matthews, which was underscored after Matthews missed time and the defense struggled to stop anyone one.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lottimpacttrophy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CJ_Mosley_Alabama_Lott_IMPACT_Player_of_The_Week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lottimpacttrophy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CJ_Mosley_Alabama_Lott_IMPACT_Player_of_The_Week.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosely would be an impact player from day one.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">CJ Mosely ILB 6-2 235 lbs Alabama<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Mosely is the cream of the crop for linebackers in this draft class. He is a two time first team All American and All-SEC player. Mosely has great instincts reading gaps and diagnosing plays in the run game. But also excels with speed and fluidity in the pass game. Mosely would be an immediate starter at ILB and would team nicely with AJ Hawk. If he falls to the Packers at 21, he will be the pick, hands down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dee Ford OLB 6-2 238 lbs Auburn<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Ford has vaulted into the conversation as potential first round pick after he dominated at the Senior Bowl. He was largely un-blockable all week during practice and registered two sacks and a pass deflection during the game. Ford is rumored to run in the 4.4 second range in the 40 yard dash. If he can show that speed at the Combine in Febraury, he will absolutely be able to make the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker. Thompson has been on the record saying he wants the Packers defense to improve in speed and athleticism and Ford clearly fits the bill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Trent Murphy OLB 6-6 261 lbs Stanford<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Murphy is another who played defensive end in college and looks to move to OLB at the next level. Last season he led the country in sacks with 15 and finished second (to Aaron Donald) in tackles for loss with 24.5. He has great instincts and quickness as a pass rusher off the edge. At the Senior Bowl, Murphy showed enough athletic ability that pass coverage should not be a major issue. He is on the fringe of being drafted in the first round and could use a big performance at the Combine to solidify that status. If not, Murphy might be someone the Packers look to steal with their second round pick.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><b><br /></b><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />- Neal Olson<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-green-bay-packers-first-round.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8722711692358912791Sat, 25 Jan 2014 17:12:00 +00002014-01-25T11:14:22.882-06:00Andrew WigginsC.J. WilcoxJabari ParkerJoel EmbiidMilwaukee BucksNBA DraftNBA Mock DraftShabazz NapierThanasis Antetokounmpo2014 Milwaukee Bucks Mock Draft 1.0<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="NBADraft" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="2014 Milwaukee Bucks Mock Draft 1.0" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-milwaukee-bucks-mock-draft-10.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Midwest/2014/01/17/PI-CBK-KU-Joel-Embiid-011714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://msn.foxsports.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Midwest/2014/01/17/PI-CBK-KU-Joel-Embiid-011714.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Embiid presents himself as the best freshman option for the Milwaukee Bucks, even over Andrew Wiggins.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When the 2014 NBA Draft rolls around, history might already be made as this may be the last year the lottery is a part of the league. Due to accusations of teams purposely "tanking" to qualify for the draft lottery, the league has been debating ending the concept of the lottery and coming up with a new system such as a "spin the wheel" approach. <br /><br />According to ESPN's 2014 NBA Lottery Mock Draft generator, the Bucks have a 25% chance to win the lottery and the first overall pick. And, with the way the season is going, it looks like the Bucks will end up with the worst record in the league which gives them the best opportunity to win the first pick. Before I jump into who I think the Bucks will take, here is a look at what some of the top NBA Draft sites are predicting. <br /><br />Bleacher Report: Jabari Parker, SF, Duke (#1 overall)<br />NBADraft.net: Joel Embiid, C, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />DraftExpress.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />CBSSports.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#2 overall)<br />MyNBADraft.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />SportingNews.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />WalterFootball.com: Jabari Parker, SF, Duke (#1 overall)<br />NBADraftRoom.com: Joel Embiid, C, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />BasketballInsiders.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#1 overall)<br />Draftsite.com: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas (#1 overall)<br /><br />With four total picks (one in the first round, three in the second round) in the semi-decent draft class, the Bucks have an opportunity to make a large step to start rebuilding. Besides their regular picks, they have a pick from the T-Wolves that was acquired in the Luke Ridnour trade and a pick from the Raptors that was acquired in the J.J. Redick trade. The pick from the Raptors is a bit complicated because They have a large gap in a dominant center and an efficient shooting guard. They could also use a backup point guard to play behind Brandon Knight (Yes, I know we have Nate Wolters). So, with that here's what I came up with (assuming the Bucks win the lottery).<br /><br /><b>Round 1 Pick 1: Joel Embiid, C, Kansas University </b><br /><br />Unless the Bucks think Andrew Wiggins can improve his play in college and live up to his own hype, I think they pass on the "best talent available" and take Wiggins' teammate Joel Embiid who is showing he is way more NBA ready than Andrew. According to many GMs in the league, Joel Embiid and Jabari Parker would be picked over Andrew Wiggins if the draft was today.<br /><br />Also, unless the Bucks plan to have Wiggins be a shooting guard, I don't see them taking a small forward again like last year with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Don't get me wrong, the Bucks are in a stage of rebuilding that taking the best player available isn't out of the question. But, many believe that what Joel brings to the table actually makes him the best player available. The biggest obstacle to get Joel isn't even if the Bucks get the number one pick, but it's if he'll even enter this year's draft. Embiid was quoted saying <i>“I don’t know if I feel like I’m ready for all of this.</i><i> All of the great big men went to college at least two or three years. I think it’s a big factor. I don’t know if it will always work, but I think it’s the best choice.”</i><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/huskyhoops/C.J.%20Wilcox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/huskyhoops/C.J.%20Wilcox.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b>Round 2 Pick 31: C.J. Wilcox, SG, Washington University </b><br /><br />Even if the Bucks don't win the lottery, if they finish the season with the worst record they will have the 31st overall pick which will allow them a shot at a really good player. As I mentioned above, the Bucks need a shooting guard who is a game changer yet efficient. O.J. Mayo and Monta Ellis are/were not that at all. Low shooting % and shaky performances are getting tiring to watch from the guard two spot for the Bucks. The senior is averaging 20.3 PPG, 46.1% shooting percentage and a 88.9% free throw percentage. Each year he's improved his numbers and has formulated into a very sound shooting guard for Washington. <br /><br /><b>Round 2 Pick 36 (from T-Wolves, previously Suns and Lakers): Shabazz Napier, PG, University of Connecticut</b><br /><br />Another standout senior like Wilcox, Shabazz is one of the NCAA's top senior talents heading to the NBA Draft. Getting compared to Derek Fisher will help him a lot come draft day. He has improved on all of his numbers from his junior year, including going from 4.6 to 5.9 assists per game, field goal percentage has risen from 44% to 50%, and his three-point percentage has risen from 40% to 57%.<br /><br />Because of his size (6'1" with a 6'3" wingspan), it's assumed his stock will fall on draft day and which ever team he ends up with he will be a back up to start out his NBA career as the team will want to test the waters with him. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.roemerphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/13-Alec-Brown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.roemerphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/13-Alec-Brown2.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a><b>Round 2 Pick 48 (from Suns, previously Raptors): Alec Brown, PF/C, University of Green Bay-Wisconsin</b><br /><br />Alec Brown is a very unique player and could be an option for the Bucks if he's on the board for their third pick in the second round. He's a seven-foot-one (in shoes) center that has 3.3 blocks per game, but is also shooting almost 50% from three point range this season. He's a very versatile player to say the least. His rebound numbers have been down over the last two seasons, but his offensive numbers have been on the rise. He's currently averaging a career-high 17.0 PPG and his field goal percentage has gone up from 44% last year to 52% this year.<br /><br />(Note: If Thanasis Antetokounmpo is on the board for this pick, it wouldn't shock me if the Bucks drafted the 20 year old brother of Giannis. He's a shooting guard/small forward currently playing in the NBA D-League but can be drafted in the 2014 Draft out of Athens, Greece.)<br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-milwaukee-bucks-mock-draft-10.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8837391585683633862Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:58:00 +00002014-01-28T13:20:07.953-06:00Matt GarzaMilwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers Officially Sign Matt Garza<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Milwaukee Brewers Sign Matt Garza" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/milwaukee-brewers-sign-matt-garza.html" data-via="AndrewVrchota" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div>UPDATE (1/28/14) 1:15pm) - The New York Post's Joel Sherman tweeted out this afternoon the details on the vesting option that took a few days to work out.<br /><br />In his tweets, he mentions that the Brewers hold a $5MM option on Garza for the fifth year that will drop to just $1MM if Garza spends more than 130 days on the disabled list in any 183-day period throughout the life of the deal (FYI, 183 days is the length of one regular season). However, the option will vest for Garza at $13MM if he pitches 110 games over the first four years of the deal, is not on the disabled list at the end of the 2017 season and throws at least 115 innings in 2017. Garza will also receive an additional $500K for reaching 190 innings and 30 games in each year of the deal. Each year of the contract contains $2MM in deferred money without interest.<br /><br />Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes that the complex nature of the fifth-year option illustrates the Brewers' concerns over Garza's long-term health, and he adds that other teams shared those concerns. (via MLBTradeRumors.com)<br /> <br /><br />UPDATE (1/26/14 1:10pm) - Mark Attanasio opened the Q&amp;A at the Brewers On Deck fanfest by announcing the Matt Garza deal was official and it just has to pass through MLB and the MLB Players Association. The deal is still a 4 year contract and I assume the dollars will be the same/very similar to the original 52 million dollars. Mark stated that this was not orchestrated to announce it at Brewers On Deck, that it was "just a coincidence". Doug Melvin backed the owner, saying "Deals take longer now then they did 25 years ago. It used to be a handshake and a beer." Doug Melvin also said it was contract details and reviewing of the physical that held up the deal with Matt Garza.</div><div><br />UPDATE (1/25/14 10:55am) - News has surfaced that the reason for the hold up is because both sides are trying to agree on how the 52 million dollars will be dispersed over the 4 years. Instead of it being 13-13-13-13, I'm sure the Brewers are trying to pay less this year and having it increase year after year. something like the Kyle Lohse deal is what I assume is being discussed. It is believed this will be worked out and the deal is in no fear of being dropped. This makes sense because as I said on Twitter, this deal is very affordable with Aramis and Rickie coming off the books next year, giving the Brewers more money to work with after the 2014 season.<br /><br />UPDATE (1/23/14 7:15pm) - The Brewers released a statement regarding Matt Garza stating a deal has not been reached yet. Right away it was assumed something happened with his physical. Both Adam McCalvy and Tom Haudricourt reported that they both heard it has nothing to do with his physical, and that it is simply negotiations are still on going. Gord Ash declined to comment on the situation. Hold tight, all.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agonyandivy.com/garza-matt_584-getty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.agonyandivy.com/garza-matt_584-getty.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Garza makes the Brewers rotation very interesting. And, hopefully good.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />(Thursday 12:58pm) - First reported this morning by Adam Rygg of the Brewer Nation blog on MLBlogs.com, the Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent right handed pitcher Matt Garza. The former Twins, Rays, Cubs, and Rangers pitcher has signed a 4 year, $52MM deal (physical pending), according to Ken Rosenthal.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Source: Garza in agreement with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a>, four years, $52M, pending physical.<br />— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/426418947152699392">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />This signing makes the most sense over arms like Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez because the Brewers do not have to surrender a draft pick like they did last year when the team inked Kyle Lohse. And honestly, they can't afford to do that two years in a row.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Just for fun. Garza last year: 3.88 FIP, 7.88 K/9, 2.2 fWAR. Lohse: 4.08 FIP, 5.66 K/9, 1.8 fWAR. Gallardo: 3.89 FIP, 7.17 K/9, 1.7 fWAR.<br />— Jaymes Langrehr (@JaymesL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaymesL/statuses/426404191624376320">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />So, with this move that likely completes the construction of the rotation and possibly the bullpen. With Garza, you now have a rotation of Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza, Marco Estrada, and Wily Peralta, with Tyler Thornburg sliding to the bullpen to join Jim Henderson, Tom Gorzelanny, Brandon Kintzler, Donovan Hand, Rob Wooten, and Will Smith.<br /><br />The Brewers get get Garza for four years, which will be his age 30, 31, 32, and 33 years. Last year for the Rangers and Cubs, Garza put up a 10-6 record with a 3.82 ERA. Historically speaking, his numbers are much better in the National League versus the American League.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW4Hc7YCHJI/UuFjZg5r6kI/AAAAAAAAAc8/1-1J8-n3lIY/s1600/Garza.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW4Hc7YCHJI/UuFjZg5r6kI/AAAAAAAAAc8/1-1J8-n3lIY/s1600/Garza.png" height="306" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO: baseball-reference.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I really like this signing. Doug Melvin is always good for one of these every offseason. We got Garza for very cheap, considering guys like Ricky Nolasco signed for much similar deals yet Garza is way younger. Also, with Aramis Ramirez and Rickie Weeks (assuming) coming off the books this year, this deal is very affordable for an early-30s pitcher. Not going to say this move puts us in the front of the NL Central by any means, but this signing gives us a very respectable starting rotation and will make the Brewers a contender, at least.<br /><br />With that, I leave you with this.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Doug Melvin's new nickname should be submarine. Nobody ever sees his moves coming.<br />— Howie Magner (@howiemag) <a href="https://twitter.com/howiemag/statuses/426421153419116544">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/milwaukee-brewers-sign-matt-garza.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8455164914488637540Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:10:00 +00002014-01-23T08:12:34.108-06:00Chris BorlandCorey ClementGary AndersenJames WhiteJared AbbrederisMelvin GordonSojourn SheltonWisconsin BadgersGrading the 2013 Wisconsin Badgers<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Badgers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Grading the 2013 Wisconsin Football Badgers" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/grading-2013-wisconsin-badgers.html" data-via="JoeP_Norton" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />The Wisconsin Badgers began the 2013 football season ranked 23rd in the AP Preseason polls. At the time I was disappointed in the ranking but could understand reason for doubting the team given the significant changes in coaching staff. Gary Andersen brought a lot of energy and a whole new posse of coaches with him and the team looked sharp, but not many knew what to expect. The result was a very solid season, capped off by a poor showing against Penn State on senior day and a disappointing ending to the Capitol One Bowl against South Carolina. The team finished with a 9-4 record and a 6-2 showing in the Big Ten. Kickers are kickers and punters are punters, but the best way to understand what went well and what didn’t for the team in 2013 is to take a look at each position on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.<br /><br /><b>Quarterback – C</b>. After breaking his collar bone several games into the 2012 season, Joel Stave won the starting quarterback job in camp, beating out sixth-year senior Curt Phillips and transfer Tanner McEvoy. What the coaches most like about Stave is his throwing accuracy and ability to get the ball down field. With Jared Abbrederis returning as arguably the top wide receiver in the Big Ten, many thought it was wise to go with the best throwing QB of the bunch and give the offense its best opportunity to stretch the field. The result was a mediocre season for Stave. He made many great throws, but also missed A LOT. He finished with 22 passing TDs to 13 interceptions and threw for 2,494 yards. He was arguably a better player on the road, throwing just 4 interceptions in 6 road games, versus 9 in 7 games at home. The most glaring issue with Stave seems to be his inability to find the open man. As a young quarterback, this is somewhat understandable, but Stave became a bit predictable in games as he would often seem to lock on a single receiver (usually Abbrederis) before the start of a play and abandon any sense of progression as the play developed. He will most likely have a firm grasp on the starting job heading into 2014, but there is certainly room for improvement.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.jrn.com/images/660*413/b99114890z.1_20131007201946_000_gmc2s0cj.1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.jrn.com/images/660*413/b99114890z.1_20131007201946_000_gmc2s0cj.1-1.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melvin Gordon will return for his junior year.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Running Backs – A</b>. The running game was yet again the bright spot for Wisconsin in 2013. The Badgers finished 8th in the country in rushing, combining for 3,689 yards. Melvin Gordon emerged as one of the best backs in the country, leading the team with 1,609 yards while reaching the end zone 12 times and ranking fourth in the country with an impressive 7.8 yards per carry. James White wasn’t far behind, totaling 1,444 yards and 13 scores. Gordon raised eyebrows as many thought he might enter the draft as a potential second or third round draft pick, but the sophomore announced after the regular season that he will return to Madison in 2014 for his junior season. The third shining star in the backfield in 2013 was youngster Corey Clement. The freshman ran for 547 yards on just 67 carries and reached the end zone 7 times. With Clement and Gordon returning in 2014, there’s no reason to expect anything less than another 3,000 rushing yards from the Badger backfield.</div><br /><b>Receivers – B</b>. Heading into 2013 the Badgers knew they had something special in senior Jared Abbrederis, the former walk on who had earned first team All-Big Ten honors as a junior. Senior tight end Jacob Pederson was also returning after winning the Big Ten’s Kwalick-Clark award as the league’s top tight end. Beyond these two however, questions remained unanswered heading into the season opener as to who would answer the bill as the team’s number two wide receiver. The questions never really got answered, as no wide receiver outside of Abbrederis caught more than 12 passes. Abby hauled in an impressive 78 catches for 1,081 and 7 touchdowns while Pedersen snagged 39 balls for 551 yards and 3 scores. James White was also incredibly reliable out of the backfield, catching 39 passes for 300 yards and 2 scores. “Old Reliable,” Jeff Duckworth was next on the team with 12 catches for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. The team will look heavily to youngsters Jordan Fredrick and Alex Erickson in 2014 to step up and carry the load as a receiving corps. Melvin Gordon will also need to play a bigger role out of the backfield than he did in 2013, catching just one pass for 10 yards.<br /><br /><b>Offensive Line – B</b>. After losing starting center Travis Frederick to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Badgers offensive line needed some returners to step up. They did fairly well, once again blocking for one of the best rushing attacks in the country and keeping quarterback Joel Stave on his feet. The team ranked 17th nationally with 16 sacks allowed, an average of just 1.2 per game but loses left guard Ryan Groy to graduation. This is a hole that has to be filled, but the unit remains young and full of potential heading into 2014.<br /><br /><b>Defensive Line – B</b>. With new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda came a new 3-4 scheme that worked surprisingly well for the Badger Defense in 2013. As a unit, Wisconsin ranked 15th in total defense, 6th in scoring defense, and 5th in rushing defense throughout the campaign. The one glaring statistic that keeps this unit from an “A” rating is the disappointingly low sack total. The team totaled just 26 sacks on the season, with 4 of those coming from backup nose tackle Warren Herring. Beau Allen has garnered attention leading into the NFL draft and Pat Muldoon and Tyler Dippel did well managing the ends. Look for the defense to remain consistent in 2014 but look to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Chris+Borland+10+Championship+Game+Wisconsin+-apQxsrRnvHl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Chris+Borland+10+Championship+Game+Wisconsin+-apQxsrRnvHl.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will always be my favorite Chris Borland picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Linebackers – A</b>. Moving to a 3-4 scheme as a defense meant shifting Brenden Kelly from his defensive end position to and outside linebacker spot. This freed up middle linebacker Chris Borland to be more aggressive in attacking the ball carrier. Borland had his best season yet, recording 112 tackles and earning consensus first team All-Big Ten honors. Ethan Armstrong and Conor O’Neill were third and fourth on the team with 51 and 41 tackles, respectively and were a big reason for the team’s success against the run. The unit needs to find a way to replace Borland in 2014, but I believe the 3-4 scheme will continue to promote future success.<br /><br /><b>Secondary – B</b>. After losing both starting corners and a safety to graduation heading into 2013, the Badger defense faced a lot of question marks in the secondary. The unit was good, however, ranking 17th nationally against the pass, allowing 202 yards per game. Senior Dez Southward returned and provided consistency for the group, totaling 40 tackles and nabbing one interception. The bright spot here was true freshman Sojourn Shelton. Shelton made his share of mistakes, as should be assumed from an 18 year old, but also pulled down 4 interceptions and primarily manned opposing team’s top wideout. Shelton receive praise from former Badger standouts Jamar Fletcher and Scott Starks for his confidence and competitive nature, but needs to sure up his coverage, as he was burned a few times too many throughout the course of the season. Michael Caputo was another bright spot, moving from linebacker to safety and looks to have a hold on the spot heading into 2014. Look for this young unit to grow and improve under Aranda.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Joseph Norton (<span style="color: black;">@JoeP_Norton)</span><br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/grading-2013-wisconsin-badgers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-3459099460526945924Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:36:00 +00002014-01-22T08:38:39.097-06:00Hunter MorrisJuan FranciscoLyle OverbayMark ReynoldsMilwaukee BrewersSean Halton"Into the Maw of Hell", or "the Brewers' First Base Options"<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-related="WISportsBlog" data-text="Brewers 1st Base Options: Pros and Cons" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/into-maw-of-hell-or-brewers-first-base.html" data-via="jheldred" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Brewers entered the offseason with something of a gaping hole at first base, and after a long off-season, it appears they will enter the 2014 season with something of a gaping hole at first base. There are certainly guys on the roster who can stand at first base (including one whose body is capable of filling a gaping hole), but whether or not they can do so at a replacement level is a whole 'nother ball of bats. Let's size up their options.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">Juan Francisco</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNBWNNf6w7o/Ut7EFgNor3I/AAAAAAAAApk/rB0EpNu49Rg/s1600/JuanFranciscoError.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNBWNNf6w7o/Ut7EFgNor3I/AAAAAAAAApk/rB0EpNu49Rg/s1600/JuanFranciscoError.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan slowly comes to a frightening conclusion; there is no glove.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Francisco was acquired from the Atlanta Braves midway through last season after it became apparent that Alex Gonzalez and Yuniesky Betancourt just weren't ready to compete at a Major League level. Fat Juan had never played first base before and watching him learn a new position on the fly was kind of like watching a three-legged dog try to use a skateboard (so, simultaneously hilarious and sad). Despite his many shortcomings, Francisco remains an intriguing player due to his ludicrous power. He clocked 13 dingers in just 270 plate appearances as a Brewer while also drastically improving his walk rate. While he isn't currently a good player, the Brewers certainly see something in him and hope they can develop him into something.&nbsp;</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pros</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>&nbsp;</b>- homers</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- dingers</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- tacos</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- taters&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- moar walks</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- youth</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- not Yuni</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- unintentional comedy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cons</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>&nbsp;</b>- strikes out a lot&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- can't hit lefties</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- can't field&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- strikes out a lot</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- Tom Haudricourt hates him</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- fat</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- strikes out a lot</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mark Reynolds</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRvygYcgMdg/Ut7OXcy-b_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/Bx3eMkRgBFo/s1600/reynolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRvygYcgMdg/Ut7OXcy-b_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/Bx3eMkRgBFo/s1600/reynolds.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="font-size: 13px;">The ball has already reached the catchers' glove and subsequently been thrown back to the pitcher</div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reynolds was signed to a minor-league deal last week with a near-guarantee to make the opening-day roster. A seven-year MLB veteran, Reynolds is kind of the right-handed version of Francisco, at least offensively. Hilarious power, draws some walks, <a href="http://deadspin.com/5916358/watch-mark-reynolds-strike-out-100-times-in-two-minutes">can't make much contact</a>. Unlike Francisco, Reynolds can somewhat competently play first base (sort of). Chances are, Reynolds will platoon with Fat Juan at first base, which really makes you question the meaning of life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pros</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- power</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- walks</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- not Yuni</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- um</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- that's it</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cons</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>&nbsp;- </b>strikeouts</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- former Diamondback</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- can't hit <strike>righties</strike> anyone</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- bad&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lyle Ooooooooverbay</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52WnR92i5xE/Ut7StH3XpZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/YnYzotBuvSQ/s1600/overbay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52WnR92i5xE/Ut7StH3XpZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/YnYzotBuvSQ/s1600/overbay.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overbay was signed to a minor-league deal on Monday. Overbay also represents one of my favorite Brewers memories. It was May 10th, 2005, and it was the first Brewers game I ever attended. They were playing the Phillies. Down 2-0 in the bottom of the first, Overbay came to the plate with two on and two out. The entire stadium made an "O" shape with their arms while yelling "OOOOOOOOOOOOO". Then Lyle sent the first pitch he saw from Vincente Padilla to the moon. The Brewers went on to win 8-5. It was the best. It was also nine years ago, and Overbay is not an immortal being incapable of aging.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pros</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- some power</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- some walks</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- hits righties</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- not Yuni</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cons</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- old&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- boring</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- can't hit lefties</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- bad defense</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- former Diamondback</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sean Halton</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQZg-9ZVbSk/Ut7YeMntxmI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/v29r6NwU4vE/s1600/halton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQZg-9ZVbSk/Ut7YeMntxmI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/v29r6NwU4vE/s1600/halton.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">uh</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Halton is a former 13th-round pick who came up late last year to serve as a platoon mate for Francisco. Halton had some moments but wasn't very good, which basically encapsulates the Brewers' first base situation overall. Like everyone else listed here, Halton isn't a good fielder and strikes out a lot. There isn't anything in his minor league numbers to suggest anything more than a part-time or bench player, and he hit lefties worse than righties last year (admittedly in a small sample) so it's unclear if he's even an acceptable platoon option.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pros</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- seems like a cool dude</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- better at baseball than me or you</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>&nbsp;-&nbsp;</b>not Yuni</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- welp</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cons</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- looks like a member of Nickelback</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- probably likes Nickelback</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- bad defense</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- bad offense</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hunter Morris</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0hFnB-vsY/Ut7bcwqDVdI/AAAAAAAAAqc/Qq47JMdCj-w/s1600/hunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0hFnB-vsY/Ut7bcwqDVdI/AAAAAAAAAqc/Qq47JMdCj-w/s1600/hunter.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Morris warrants mention as the token prospect of the group. He had a shot at making the 2013 opening day roster after injuries to Corey Hart and Mat Gamel, but floundered in Spring Training and had a poor year in AAA. Morris has tons of power, isn't a good defender (at least not yet), and has trouble consistently making contact. I'm sensing a theme here.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pros</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- young</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- power</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- improving walk rate</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- not Yuni</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cons</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- hit .247 with a 97 wRC+ in a hitter's paradise</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- strikeouts</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;- just look at the dudes the Brewers play at first over him</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-Jerry Eldred (<a href="https://twitter.com/jheldred">@jheldred</a>)</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Follow us on Twitter (</span><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@jheldred</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@olewr7</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">, and</span><a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@10iskristin</a>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/into-maw-of-hell-or-brewers-first-base.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jerry Eldred)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-5242226439439779688Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:46:00 +00002014-01-21T16:53:32.577-06:00Buck RogersHuntsville StarsMilwaukee BrewersInterview with Huntsville Stars GM Buck Rogers<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-text="Interview with Huntsville Stars GM Buck Rogers" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/interview-with-huntsville-stars-gm-buck.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div class="im">- You're from Neenah, WI. How much does that mean to you that you're a part of the organization that I assume you followed and watched?<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">When you work in Minor League Baseball the last thing you’re concerned with is the MLB affiliation.&nbsp; Deep down you have your wish list and hope for a team that you love, but in reality you work for the Minor League club first and support the MLB team no matter what the affiliate.&nbsp; Sometimes that’s tough as I grew up in Wisconsin and took a job with a Chicago Cubs affiliate.&nbsp; My parents almost disowned me for that one.&nbsp; In fairness, the Cubs do a great job and I enjoyed the three years in that organization.&nbsp; There are a lot of friendships between organizations, believe it or not, the Cubs and Brewers organizations have some friendships off the field.&nbsp; But being a part of the Brewers organization is really special.&nbsp; I’m not saying that because I’m from Wisconsin; I’d be saying it if we were a Royals or Angels team.&nbsp; The front office of the Brewers are people oriented first.&nbsp; It really is a unique organization to be a part of; to watch things evolve. I hope the people of Wisconsin never take for granted the Brewers organization and how hard they work to be competitive in a smaller market.&nbsp; It really is a special situation.&nbsp; But I have to admit that watching Don Money play as a kid and then working with him now is fun.&nbsp; The Bambi’s Bombers, Harvey Wallbangers, and teams along the way make the relationship more enjoyable because you know how long Wisconsinites have waited for playoff teams and now you get to see ‘em before they get to the show. </span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Who on the Stars roster excites you the most to watch in 2014?<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I have to hold out here because I don’t know who will be on our roster.&nbsp; It’s easy to assume that certain guys will be here, but spring training injuries change lineups real quick, e.g., Mat Gamel.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- To elaborate more, who do you see/have you seen recently that could make a quick climb in the minors to the Milwaukee Brewers?<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">There have been quite a few guys in the past couple years, if I name anybody I’ll catch hell from those I don’t name. &nbsp;When you get to AA the players know that they have crossed the hump and if they play their cards right they can make it.&nbsp; There will be hills and valleys and as long as the guys realize that and not get discouraged they’ll make it.&nbsp; The downside is that we can root for the guys but know that deep down they could be the player-to-be-named later.&nbsp; For example, the CC Sabathia trade in 2008 had us losing Michael Brantley and Mat LaPorta, two guys on the rise.&nbsp; You originally picture them at Miller Park, but in the end there they are in other uniforms.&nbsp; But you have to salute Doug Melvin, Gord Ash, and the guys for pulling the trigger on those decisions to get a playoff team.&nbsp; Last season we had a number of younger guys, and while we didn’t have a lot of wins, there was personal improvement.&nbsp; To me, watching guys move up, getting the call from Scott Martens with the roster changes is heartbreaking at first, but once they hit Milwaukee it’s all worth it.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- What is the hardest part about dealing with a roster that can change in an instant because of trade/injury/promotion? (from Jason Jenson)<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">To me, trades are the hardest because you have a player that everybody loves and now you have to tell him to clean out his locker and get out of our clubhouse.&nbsp; In Brevard County we had a pitcher named Steve Garrison who was best friends and roommates with Lorenzo Cain his whole baseball career.&nbsp; Steve was part of the trade with Will Inman and Joe Thatcher sent to San Diego for Scott Linebrink.&nbsp; When our manager (John Tamargo) told Steve he was traded Steve went into the clubhouse and broke down.&nbsp; Lo Cain did also.&nbsp; The clubhouse was stunned because Steve was family.&nbsp; He cleared out his locker and said his goodbyes to the team.&nbsp; He sat in the crowd for the game because he was no longer part of the organization and wasn’t flying out until the next day.&nbsp; I think we got shelled that night as everybody was down.&nbsp; He personally worked the seating bowl all night giving hugs, shaking hands, thanking fans for their support.&nbsp; I thought it was one of the classiest moves by a player.&nbsp; Steve was with the Mobile BayBears this past season and I had the chance to get caught up with him after a game.</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Watching a player who is driven day-in, day-out, get hurt is tough.&nbsp; You get to see these guys pour their heart and soul into the game and an injury can end it all.&nbsp; I never want to see a career end on our watch; we want all players to move up the food chain, but every now and then a player retires and it’s really emotional as you try to console a guy on the ride to the airport or as you help him pack up his things.&nbsp; There is life after the game, but you don’t want to explain that to a player whose career just ended.&nbsp; It’s tough.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- How is the job of running a AA/minor league ballclub different from that of a major league team? (from Joey Grundl)<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Great question.&nbsp; I couldn’t begin to tell you how many people think I have control over our roster.&nbsp; I had a player’s girlfriend rag on me one night because I hadn’t promoted her boyfriend.&nbsp; She didn’t understand that all player moves are done by the Brewers.&nbsp; The Minor League Baseball GM is not involved with transaction decisions, training, etc.&nbsp; Our job is the business of running the organization, the stadium operations, logistics, etc.&nbsp; The MLB GM’s role is completely different.&nbsp; Doug Melvin is not going to be concerned if an outfield wall sign gets hung in the right location or is PA announcements are broadcast in the right inning.&nbsp; The MLB GM has way more on his plate; it’s all baseball related where the MiLB GM is business related.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- How do you decide to groom prospects. Is it your call or are there instructions from above that a guy needs to improve in a certain area. Are there mandates on certain things, for example "no cutters" (from Derek Harvey)<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Like above, all training and grooming is the responsibility of Doug Melvin and his plan.&nbsp; It’s worked through Gord Ash, Reid Nichols, the rovers, and our coaching staff.&nbsp; They have years of experience and know that a game in Huntsville won’t be in anybody’s memory bank for long unless they push a player too hard and he has a career-ending injury.&nbsp; In 2002 in Daytona Beach we had a pitcher named Carmen Pignatiello.&nbsp; Piggy was way past his pitch count one night and had a no hitter going.&nbsp; Our farm director (Oneri Fleita) was called and gave the OK for Piggy to go no more than 20 more pitches.&nbsp; Piggy got thru the 8<sup>th</sup> inning intact and our manager (Dave Trembley) finally had to pull him.&nbsp; The crowd went berserk.&nbsp; But it was in Piggy’s best interest. The closer came in (Jared Blasdell), walked the bases full before retiring the side to thankfully complete the no-hitter.&nbsp; Big sigh of relief as it averted a mutiny in the stands.&nbsp; But Piggy’s future trumped the no-hitter.&nbsp; Farm directors, managers, all rovers all have the big picture in mind and that always supersedes whatever is happening in the game.&nbsp; Nobody will remember that no-hitter, but everybody will remember the career-ender.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Most unique player you've ever coached. (from Alec Dopp)<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I’ve never coached baseball, but there have been a few I’ll never forget watching and enjoying having them on our roster.&nbsp; I want to apologize in advance to some of the guys that I’ll think of later and forget to mention here.&nbsp; With an Expos team in North Carolina in 1998 we started the season 15-0, the best start to this day in affiliated MiLB or MLB history and surpassing the ’87 Brewers 13-0 start.&nbsp; It was magic for two weeks and a day as every call, every swing, every hop, every throw, every bounce, every fly ball went our way.&nbsp; We had a lineup with Jorge Julio on the mound, Brian Schneider behind the plate, (a very polite of the field) Milton Bradley in center, and a couple more guys…15-0 and we didn’t even clinch the first half pennant, but what a run. &nbsp;In 2000 I had Brandon Phillips and Cliff Lee, polar opposites that really pushed themselves. &nbsp;I had Brewers Pitching Coach Rick Kranitz as our manager in Daytona Beach (yep, Kranny was with the Cubs) in 2003 in one of the most tumultuous situations I’ve ever had to deal with and he was the total professional.&nbsp; We had a Korean player who threw a baseball at an osprey overlooking batting practice.&nbsp; I won’t get into the details but Kranny helped us thru a very difficult week that included death threats from fanatics, lawyers, fish and game personnel, and more.&nbsp; The event train-wrecked the season and all the goodwill that the players did, but Kranny kept the ship afloat in a very difficult situation. In Brevard County Tim Dillard busted out a guitar and sang some very interesting tunes that kept the guys loose.&nbsp; Alcides Escobar…to this day I can’t confirm that he even had a skeleton the way he bent and twisted at SS.&nbsp; Darren Ford ran down a deep fly ball in CF while at Palm Beach one night.&nbsp; The Cardinals’ runner at first took off for 2<sup>nd</sup>, then 3<sup>rd</sup> and was rounding for home when Darren surprised everybody and caught the ball running towards deep centerfield.&nbsp; Then the weird happened, Darren realized that he could have an unassisted double play if he ran the ball to first.&nbsp; The runner started back around the base path and Darren was sprinting towards first.&nbsp; You have to understand that Darren was probably the fastest guy in the Brewers entire organization at that time.&nbsp; Him and Lo Cain used to run sprints and it was neck and neck, but Darren always was a couple inches ahead at the end.&nbsp; But it was clear Darren would reach first before the runner and the runner just gave up.&nbsp; Darren played it classy and flipped the ball to the 1B for the out even though he could’ve pulled it off and stuck it in the guy’s face.&nbsp; I’ll never forget Hunter Morris and his feats of the 2012 season (Gold Glove, League MVP, etc.).&nbsp; Darnell Coles as manager and his total appreciate for all parts of the game.&nbsp; There are more.&nbsp; Unique?&nbsp; I couldn’t pick one.&nbsp; That’s the beauty of Minor League Baseball, it happens every night right in front of you.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Talk about your involvement in the move from Huntsville Alabama to Biloxi Mississippi. Seems like there is a lot upside in the Biloxi community.<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The team was just sold a week ago and will transition to Biloxi at season’s end.&nbsp; At this point we are really focused on the upcoming season as they still haven’t broken ground on the new stadium in Biloxi.&nbsp; I know the new owner (Ken Young), as his company ran our concessions at Space Coast Stadium in Brevard County.&nbsp; Once we get together we’ll get the game plan for the move, but our focus now is the 2014 season here.&nbsp; As most teams do, we have a lot on our plate.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Favorite memory you'll take away from Joe W. Davis Stadium?<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The 2010 All-Star Game was memorable.&nbsp; The city really came out and showed their support.&nbsp; We had 7,700 here for a wonderful game that saw the South Division give up a pitcher (Arizona’s Josh Collmenter) because the North Division was down two bodies.&nbsp; Josh started the game in a gray road jersey for the north (home white jerseys) pitching against his teammates and got the win.&nbsp; The crowd was wondering what the heck was going on as they had never saw anything like this before.&nbsp; Bizarre situation, but it was an exhibition game when you get right down to it. Then League President Don Mincher was still alive then and he got to see one last All-Star game in the stadium where he was the GM and owner before becoming league president. Don was a fantastic guy and the baseball world misses him and I’ll never forget that night.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Any current talks to extend the player development contract passed the 2014 season?<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The discussion for renewing the PDC is between the Brewers and Ken Young, the team’s owner.&nbsp; I said it before and I’ll say it again: the Brewers are easiest going, happy-go-lucky organization I’ve ever been affiliated with.&nbsp; They treat all their Minor League affiliates with respect, courtesy, and friendship.&nbsp; If I have a problem a phone call fixes it.&nbsp; If there’s a situation coming up like a trade that will affect our club, the Brewers always keep us in the loop.&nbsp; I would hope that we continue on with Milwaukee for years to come; there’s no better organization in baseball.&nbsp; I wish everybody that has sat down to watch a Brewers game at Miller Park could have an inside view – just for a day – of what the Brewers do to build that roster…all the work from the draft thru the Minor Leagues, the travel, training, caring, patience, everything that happens to compete.&nbsp; You’d really appreciate the Brewers more than ever.&nbsp; Don’t take my word for it, ask the guys in Helena, Appleton, Brevard County, and Nashville.&nbsp; But from the top to the bottom the organization really is phenomenal and I’d hate to think of being in another organization.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- Your thoughts on the whole Alex Rodriguez situation...<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Honesty is the best policy.&nbsp; Nobody’s perfect.&nbsp; But there are posters in all the clubhouses explaining the gambling, tobacco, and drug guidelines.&nbsp; Players sign statements saying they have read and understand the policies set forth.&nbsp; Read ‘em, learn ‘em, live ‘em.&nbsp; Nobody is above the game of baseball.&nbsp; Nobody.</span></b><br /><br /><div class="im">- If you can speak on it, what are your feelings on Major League baseball posterizing it's talent for using PEDs and ultimately turning the fans on the players who are caught and test positive.<br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">My feelings are simple: rules are for everybody.&nbsp; Nobody’s above the law. It’s black and white, cut and dried. &nbsp;Respect the game, do the right thing, and don’t mess with stuff you shouldn’t touch.&nbsp; That’s what we preach to our kids, right?</span></b><br /><br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/interview-with-huntsville-stars-gm-buck.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7281970798874653126Mon, 13 Jan 2014 03:47:00 +00002014-01-13T07:37:16.113-06:00Doug MelvinJean SeguraMilwaukee BrewersRyan BraunMilwaukee Brewers 2014 Opening Day Preview<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="MLB" data-text="Milwaukee Brewers 2014 Opening Day Preview" 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The Brewers are still looking for a first baseman and bullpen arm or two. Their starting lineup should look similar to the ones they put out last year, with Braun and Aramis (barring injuries) returning to the everyday lineup. Here’s how I think the Brewers roster will end up looking like.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1<sup>st</sup> base: Your guess is probably as good as mine. If I had to choose from current players on the 40 man roster, I would go with Juan Francisco. Hunter Morris is another option, but he didn’t even earn a September call-up last season, so I doubt that he will get the nod to start.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://millerpolooza.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bilde11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://millerpolooza.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bilde11.jpg" width="320" /></a>2<sup>nd</sup> base: Rickie Weeks and Scooter Gennett will start the year out in a platoon. Weeks for left handed starters, and Gennett for right handed starters.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortstop: Jean Segura (right). He had an outstanding first half last season, but tailed off a bit in the second half. He did not play winter ball this off-season like he did last year, so hopefully that will help him be more consistent throughout the 2014 season. He was one of the few guys in 2013 that stayed healthy for the entire year, and hopefully that will be the case again this year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">3<sup>rd</sup> base: Aramis Ramirez. We’ll have to hope that he can stay healthy this year, because there aren’t many other guys in the system capable of playing third base. If worst comes to worst, I guess we can stick Ryan Braun back over there. Just kidding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Catcher: Lucroy will be the primary catcher, with Maldonado once again backing him up; a very solid pair to have behind the plate. Lucroy is a very good offensive catcher, is one of the best framers in the major leagues. Maldonado is a very good defender, and can gun down base stealers like it’s his job. (Oh wait, it is.)&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LF: Khris Davis. This is the player that I’m most excited to watch in 2014. The Brewers traded away Nori Aoki this off-season to make room for him, and Braun was moved to right field. He has the capability to hit 20+ homers in a season, and showed last season that he can hit some monster home runs. It’ll be fun to see what he can do when he gets a chance to play every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">CF: Carlos Gomez. The recent gold glove winner was one of the few bright spots from the 2013 season. There’s no doubt that will produce on defense once again this season. Hopefully, he will be able to continue his success on offense as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">RF: Ryan Braun. When discussing a position change, I imagine the conversation between the Brewers and Ryan Braun went something along the lines of “you’re moving from left to right field, deal with it.” I'm not too worried about Braun as he returns from his suspension - I suspect we’ll see the same productive Ryan Braun that we’ve seen in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Starting rotation: Kyle Lohse, Yovani Gallardo, Wily Peralta, Marco Estrada, Tyler Thornburg.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bullpen: Jim Henderson, Brandon Kintzler, Rob Wooten, Michael Blazek, Tom Gorzelanny and Will Smith will all probably be in the bullpen. Doug Melvin recently said that he would like to add at least one, preferably two, free agent bullpen arms. If they do end up signing two, Wooten would probably be the odd man out.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bench: Logan Schafer, Caleb Gindl, Jeff Bianchi, Sean Halton, Martín Maldonado.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Predicted record: 84-78</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If, and this is a big if, they can stay healthy all season, I think this is a realistic record. Their pitching staff has some question marks, but I feel better going into this season with that staff than I felt going into the 2013 season with the same guys. The offense should be fun to watch, even if we end up having another dud at first base this season. Only time will tell.<br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Kristin Zenz (@10iskristin)<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/milwaukee-brewers-2014-opening-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (kristin zenz)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8346294643513377116Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:01:00 +00002014-01-10T09:10:54.608-06:002014 NFL DraftBruce GastonC.J. MosleyColt LyerlaCraig LostonGreen Bay PackersIsaiah LewisMartavis BryantMock DraftYawin SmallwoodPackers Season-End 7 Round Mock Draft<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="NFLDraft" data-text="Packers Season-End 7 Round Mock Draft" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/packers-season-end-7-round-mock-draft.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />Before I jump into this, I first want to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year and welcome to 2014 on the Wisconsin Sports Blog. We had record breaking traffic on this site last year, and I owe it all to my dedicated writers as well as to the equally dedicated readers. Looking forward to writing for all of you again this year.<br /><br />So another season and another playoff game where the Packers fall short. That has pretty much been the trend since we won the Super Bowl. It's very disappointing but how many teams can say they haven't missed the playoffs since 2009?<br /><br />The biggest issue our team has is health on both sides of the ball. You can't blame the health of the team on a single entity. There are many factors. Blaming the coaching staff is not one of them. The rule changes over where you can and can't tackle someone are. Believe it or not, injuries happen when you play a high contact sport like football.<br /><br />So going into the draft the Packers have a few spots they need to focus on. Mainly they need to upgrade the secondary, at inside linebacker, and on the defensive line. In addition to the defensive upgrades, the Packers might also look to add a tight end prospect as well as a kick returner. With those five focuses in mind, here is my first Packers mock draft of 2014.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://isportsweb.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/07/CJ2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://isportsweb.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/07/CJ2.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a><b>Round 1, Pick 21 - C.J. Mosley, ILB, University of Alabama </b><br /><br />I guess before I get into the specifics on C.J. Mosley, I'm going to have to show you how this Top 15 talent will fall to Green Bay at 21st overall. I think the first four picks of the draft are all pretty much set. Houston will take Bridgewater, whoever the Rams trade their pick to will take Clowney, and the Jaguars and Browns will take Manziel and Bortles in either order. The Raiders would have taken Hundley at 5th overall, but he's returning to school for his senior year. So, Raiders probably take Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans. The Falcons take Jake Matthews while the Bucs take Khalil Mack. The Vikings take either Derek Carr here or reach for another quarterback. The Bills likely take whoever the Raiders don't pick for wide receiver. Rounding out the Top 10, the Lions likely take a wide receiver to compliment Megatron or they take Clinton-Dix off the board.<br /><br />Now, picks 11-20 are a lot more difficult to predict, but here's what I think each teams biggest needs are...<br /><br /><b>Titans:</b> Tied for 21st in league for sacks. They need a pass rusher DE/OLB<br /><b>Giants:</b> Eli Manning was terrible this season. Part if it had to do with Eli being sacked 40 times. Need OL help.<br /><b>Rams:</b> They need help in the secondary and at wide receiver. <br /><b>Bears:</b> Everywhere on defense. Mosley could be taken here but I think the Bears address defensive line first.<br /><b>Steelers:</b> Defensive line or secondary.<br /><b>Cowboys:</b> Cowboys finished in the bottom 10 in sacks. They need a pass rusher.<br /><b>Ravens:</b> Wide receiver for Joe Flacco to attempt to throw to.<br /><b>Jets:</b> Need a weapon for Geno Smith to throw to.<br /><b>Dolphins:</b> I heard they need offensive line help.<br /><b>Cardinals:</b> Quarterback and offensive line. Maybe a wideout or a running back?<br /><br />Which brings us to the Packers at pick #21. With Desmond Bishop gone, Brad Jones hopefully gone, and A.J. Hawk slowly making his way to the door as well, the Packers need to address the inside linebacker position. Mosley is everything A.J Hawk isn't. Yes, Hawk tackles like a madman. However, he just doesn't go the extra mile to create turnovers at the level he should be at. Mosley is listed as an outside linebacker but would definitely fit in well as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.<br /><br />The Butkus Award winner finished his Alabama career with 319 tackles, 23 TFL (tackles for loss), 6.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Mosley creates a serious presence int he middle of the field that will help improve the tackling of our defense, which has slipped over the years.<br /><br /><b>Round 2, Pick 53 - Craig Loston, S, Louisiana State University</b><br /><br /><a href="http://saturdaydownsouth.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/sds-theme/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/USATSI_6572106-1024x537.jpg&amp;w=1024&amp;h=537" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://saturdaydownsouth.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/sds-theme/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/USATSI_6572106-1024x537.jpg&amp;w=1024&amp;h=537" height="167" width="320" /></a>For those hoping the Packers could get their hands on Hesean Clinton Dix in the first round, I'm here to burst your bubble. If the Packers got the opportunity to draft Dix, they would. But, he'll be gone by pick 21 so they'll have to settle for the next best available at the position, which is LSU's senior Craig Loston. Loston is a tall strong safety prospect who has 7 career interceptions for the lock-down Tigers defense. Just recently in the Outback Bowl, Loston accounted for a forced fumble, and interception and a pass defended. LSU's defense only surrendered and average of 197.5 passing yards per game in 2013 and only allowed 15 passing touchdowns in those games, which Craig deserves a lot of credit for.<br /><br />We all know the Packers need upgrades in the secondary. We've seen our defense get shredded year after year by the likes of Colin Kaepernick and Co. M.D. Jennings and Morgan Burnett could honestly not make it back next year and I don't think many people would mind. I wouldn't. They were really bad. Awful, actually. Burnett certainly isn't worth the 4.9MM cap space. M.D. Jennings is a restricted year agent, so he's free to go. I expect major changes to come other than drafting, too. Ted rarely pulls the trigger on free agency, but I think Jarius Byrd would be someone to look at to help fix our secondary blunders. But that's an article for another day.<br /><br />Finally, in 2013 Loston has a total of 3 passes defensed. The Packers used 5 safeties this season. They combined for 8 passes defensed. So, there's that. <br /><br /><a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Yawin+Smallwood+Pittsburgh+v+Connecticut+YWydTebwnRhl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Yawin+Smallwood+Pittsburgh+v+Connecticut+YWydTebwnRhl.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a><b>Round 3, Pick 85 - Yawin Smallwood, ILB, University of Connecticut</b><br /><br />But why not Chris Borland? I love Chris. I wouldn't hate the pick if Ted took him here. However, just to keep me away from the Homer Train, I'll go with a guy just as physical and a little taller. Meet Yawin Smallwood.<br /><br />Smallwood was named UConn's 2013 defensive player of the year after putting up monster numbers in his junior year. The linebacker started all 12 games for the Huskies and led the team with 118 tackles, which placed him at 22nd in the nation and third in the conference with 9.8 stops per contest. Smallwood also picked up 9.5 TFL and 4 sacks, an interception, 9 pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles to an all-around dominant season. Smallwood notched double-digit tackles in six games.<br /><br />As stated above with C.J. Mosley, the Packers have some serious issues to address at inside linebacker. Adding another inside linebacker here would set us up with one of the best linebacker quartets in all of football.<br /><br /><b>Round 4, Pick 117 - Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson University</b><br /><br />With James Jones entering his unrestricted free agency year, the Packers may want to address a wide receiver here. Also, the Packers have longed for a kick returner since converting Randall Cobb into strictly a wide receiver to prevent injury. There have been many trials yet no solid returner has surfaced. They need to take one eventually in the draft and here would be a good selection. Martavis Bryant could fix all that. Bryant runs a 4.38 forty-yard dash and has experience returning kickoffs at Clemson.<br /><br />Playing opposite to Sammy Watkins this season, Bryant was still able to pull in some great numbers with Tajh Boyd this year. Martavis finished his junior year with 828 yards on 42 receptions to go along with 7 touchdowns. If we lose James Jones, Bryant becomes a solid WR4 behind Jordy, Cobb, and Boykin.<br /><br /><b>Round 5, Pick 149 - Isaiah Lewis, S, Michigan State University</b><br /><br /><a href="http://media.mlive.com/spartans_impact/photo/isaiah-lewis-purduejpeg-8f91b81ad1ee2a53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.mlive.com/spartans_impact/photo/isaiah-lewis-purduejpeg-8f91b81ad1ee2a53.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a>So the Packers struggle on defense, huh? Well let's draft a player from the number one ranked defense in the country in 2013. Michigan State's 2013 defense allowed 210.2 yards per game, 43.4 rushing yards per game, 11.6 points per game, and a 90.29 average passer efficiency rating. Isaiah Lewis is one of four dominant defensive backs on the Spartans that produced at a high level this season to help this defense be so great.<br /><br />Lewis finished up his senior year with 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, a TFL, and 8 passes defensed . The Packers used 5 safeties this season. They combined for 8 passes defensed. So, yeah. Lewis would be an instant improvement at the safety position. Only being 5-foot-10, some may question his size but I think he does a pretty good job with what he's been given to work with.<br /><br /><b>Round 6, Pick 181 - Colt Lyerla, TE, University of Oregon</b><br /><br /><a href="http://fishduck.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/colt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fishduck.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/colt.jpeg" height="215" width="320" /></a>Yep, it's the cocaine guy. But, everyone deserves a second chance, right? RIGHT?<br /><br />I originally was totally against this idea as someone on Twitter suggested it to me it would be smart for the Packers to make this pick. But after thinking about it, it makes a lot of sense to take this risk. Before Colt left the Oregon football program, he was a Top 64 NFL draft prospect. But, because of the off-field issues with cocaine etc., his stock dropped quicker than frozen concentrated orange-juice. He compares to guys like Jace Amaro, Eric Ebron, and C.J. Fiederowicz talent wise and size wise. The only difference is Ted wouldn't have to waste a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick on Colt.<br /><br />With the status of Jermichael Finley completely in his hands and the fact that "God's Gift" Andrew Quarless is still evidently trying to find his own hands, taking a talented tight end like Colt Lyerla is the right pick here. <br /><br /><b>Round 7, Pick 213 - Bruce Gaston, DT, Purdue University</b><br /><br />Farewell, B.J. Raji. He hasn't had a sack in over two years. He's a free agent. That will be the end of that. I hope Johnny Jolly is back, however. He had a solid year. I liked what I saw from rookies Datone Jones and Josh Boyd. Not sure what the team does with C.J. Wilson. Ryan Pickett is also a free agent. That being said, the Packers should not be satisfied with the pass rush, or lack there of. Our secondary gets burned a lot because we aren't getting any pressure on the quarterbacks and they then get to pass all over us all game.<br /><br />Bruce Gaston would add some nice depth to the defensive line in which I could see him making an impact. He amounted to 7 sacks and 23.5 TFL over four years at Purdue. He only missed three games over those four years. He has fast feet and great lateral agility. If he can stay healthy, he's someone that can give the Packers a legit pass rush again.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Undrafted Free Agents</b></u><br /><br /><b>Connor Shaw, QB, University of South Carolina</b> - He looked really impressive against the Badgers in the Capital One Bowl. There is a chance he even gets drafted late in the 6th or 7th round. But if he doesn't, it might be something the Packers look at to at least bring him to camp. Seneca Wallace and Matt Flynn will most likely not return, so there needs to be someone besides Scott Tolzien. If Connor Shaw is drafted, then I'd look at Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech) or James Franklin (Missouri).<br /><br /><b>David Sims, FB, Georgia Tech University</b> - Sims is one of those hybrid running back/full backs. He's got weight of what a full back would be to be a blocker, but has the speed of a running back. With James Starks and John Kuhn set to test free agency, we may need to add some depth to Eddie Lacy, DuJuan Harris, and Johnathan Franklin.<br /><br /><b>Kaleb Ramsey, DT/DE, Boston College - </b>I like this guy's upside. As noted, he can play either tackle or end. Injuries have plagued his tenure at Boston College. But, in the time he has played, he's been a truck. Due to those injuries, he has medically red shirted twice giving him 6 years of service at Boston College. <br /><br /><b>Dri Archer, RB/WR/KR, Kentucky State University</b> - Dri Archer is the second fastest athlete in this year's draft. Only DeAnthony Thomas has a faster forty-yard dash by a tenth of a second. This may be the route Green Bay goes in if they decide not to draft a kick returner.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hMHo1j8fDns" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br /><b>Noel Grigsby, WR, San Jose State University </b>- Noel may be the best wide receiver that goes undrafted this year. San Jose State lost Noel to a knee injury in the second game of 2013, which was his senior year. Over his 4 years at San Jose State, he collected 237 passes for 3121 yards and 17 touchdowns.<br /><br /><b>Jonathan Brown, OLB, University of Illinois</b> - Brown had a huge senior season, leading the team and ranking second in the conference in tackles with 119, and ranking third in the Big Ten with 15 tackles for loss. He also added 5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble on the season. For his career, Brown made 317 tackles including 45.5 TFLs, the third-most in school history, and 14.0 sacks. As much as the Packers need help at inside linebacker, you can't forgot how banged up they've been at outside linebacker, too.<br /><br /><b>Michael Philipp, OT, Oregon State University</b> - He's a big boy. 6 foot 4 inches tall and 330 pounds. Injured much of his sophomore and junior years, Philipp played extremely well as a true freshman and as a senior this year. With Evan Dietrich-Smith and Marshall Newhouse both free agents, adding depth at guard/tackle is a good idea.<br /><br /><b>John Fullington, OG, Washington State University</b> - Mostly used as a left tackle, John also can play both right tackle and right guard. He's 6 foot 5, so he'll usually have the height advantage. He moves quick on his feet and has great lateral agility. As I said for Michael Philipp, Evan Dietrich-Smith and Marshall Newhouse may not return next season,so replenishment may be needed at guard and tackle. <br /><br /><b>Matt Lengel, TE, Eastern Kentucky University</b> - Couldn't find his stats from this past year, but he is projected as a 7th rounder/FA. The reason why is that he's 6 foot 7 and weighs 260 pounds. He's an inch taller than Rob Gronkowski but weighs 5 pounds less. If Ted doesn't draft a tight end in the seven rounds, he will definitely look for an undrafted free agent like Matt Lengel.<br /><br /><b>Jacques Washington, FS, Iowa State University</b> - A running back in high school and recruited as a cornerback, Jacques moved to safety in his sophomore season. He ended his career at Iowa State with 311 tackles. Yet another safety to add to the dwindled bunch Green Bay has now.<br /><br /><br />My next mock draft probably won't be until a month or so before the draft. I want to see where the compensatory picks fall for the Packers so I can deliver a more accurate mock draft. Until then, enjoy the rest of the NFL Playoffs!<br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin </a>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/packers-season-end-7-round-mock-draft.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7979113925656919994Sat, 21 Dec 2013 16:40:00 +00002014-01-14T12:24:55.353-06:00C.J. CronHunter MorrisIke DavisJason RogersJeff BakerJuan FranciscoJustin SmoakMark ReynoldsMichael YoungMilwaukee BrewersRickie WeeksSean HaltonBrewers' Remaining First Base Options <a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-text="Brewers' Remaining First Base Options" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/brewers-remaining-first-base-options.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br><br>The Winter Meetings have come to an end and the Brewers left Orlando with their tails between their legs after losing out on the bid for free agent Corey Hart who landed with the Mariners. The team was constantly checking in on Ike Davis from the Mets and Logan Morrison of the Marlins, who was eventually moved to the Mariners.<br><br>Now the team must figure out what direction they will go between now until the start to Spring Training and eventually leading up to Opening Day. Do they pick from the scraps remaining in the free agent market? Do they attempt to make a trade without giving up major parts of our farm system? Or, do they stick with what we have currently? I'll take a look at every option available...as painful as it may be.<br><br><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Free Agent Market</b></u></span><br><br><br><a href="http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/mark-reynolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/mark-reynolds.jpg" width="320"></a><b>Mark Reynolds</b><br><br>Mark is probably what most Brewers fans want at first base if they are fans who crave another power hitter. He's the most powerful right handed bat left on the market, but for every homerun he would hit for the Brewers he'll strike out twenty five times. A platoon with Juan Francisco would guarantee an aneurysm from Tom Haudricourt on Twitter on a daily basis. And, honestly, I don't think Mark Reynolds is a good option at all. His career slash line is .233/.339/.464 and averages 180 strikeouts a year. <br><br>Defensively, he would be a solid addition to provide depth not only at first base but third base as well. He's had three times the playing time at third base than first base, but he has played just fine at first. He holds a 99 Fielding % at first and a 92.8 Fielding % at third.<br><br>He honestly hasn't had a season to write home about since 2009, and even then it was just "meh". That's if you are like me and don't measure someone's season by home runs and RBI. Overall, I don't see the Brewers bringing in Mark Reynolds because for the money they'll have to fork over won't be worth the production he will give the team. He's young at the age of 30, but with the rapid decline in his play recently, you'd think he's 40.<br><br><br><b>Michael Young</b><br><br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> interested in Michael Young to play 1B. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Dodgers&amp;src=hash">#Dodgers</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rockies&amp;src=hash">#Rockies</a> also in mix. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nationals&amp;src=hash">#Nationals</a> involved early, exploring others now.<br>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/413462160006975489">December 19, 2013</a></blockquote><br>When I first heard about the Brewers having interest in Michael Young, I honestly wasn't too excited about it. It is one of those things that makes sense, but wouldn't even be a thought if there were better options available. This is the case with Michael Young.<br><br>He holds a pretty respectable career slash line of .300/.346/.441. He's not a huge power hitter. He's just your average hitter and gets on base. He could play any position in the infield, so depth wise he'd be a great addition. For first base specifically, he's played 111 career games there (out of 1,900+ total career games).<br><br>The Brewers are also looking at Michael Young because of his veteran leadership (see: #LohseLeadership). He's a 7-time All-Star, a gold glove winner, and has post-season experience. He would be this year's Mark Kotsay or Jerry Hairston Jr.<br><br><br><a href="http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/jeff-baker-texas-rangers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/jeff-baker-texas-rangers1.jpg" width="320"></a><b>Jeff Baker</b><br><br>You guys ready for this? As I said the other day on Twitter, when Jeff Baker is the best free agent first basemen on the market, you might have a problem. I originally said this as a joke, but the more I looked at his statistics last year with Texas, I warmed up to the idea of Baker platooning with Francisco. Baker actually would be a great signing and wouldn't cost Milwaukee too much. First of all, Baker is only 32 years old. He's an ultra utility man. He can play first, second, and third base as well as the corner outfield positions.<br><br>Last year with Texas, he slashed a .279/.360/.545 143 OPS+ in 74 games played. Call me crazy, but there may be something there. Those are the best numbers he's put up in his career. Also, before Jeff Baker landed on the disabled list with a <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1678002-jeff-baker-placed-on-disabled-list-after-injuring-himself-high-fiving" target="_blank">thumb injury from high-fiving a teammate</a>, Jeff Baker was hitting .317/.391/.695 (1.086 OPS). Just saying.<b>&nbsp;</b><br><br><br><b>Yuniesky Betancourt</b><br><br>Never mind. <br><br><br>Other names available that I know the Brewers have no interest in is obviously Kendrys Morales because we would lose our draft pick if we sign him. Casey Kotchman is awful. Lyle Overbay and Carlos Pena are old. So, yeah.<br><br><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Trade</b></u></span><br><br><br><b>Ike Davis</b><br><br>We've seen this for weeks now. The Mets and Brewers are/were trying to work out a trade but the Brewers don't want to sacrifice any young pitching, which is smart on Melvin's part. Trading for Ike Davis is a crap shoot. He had an atrocious season last year, at least it would appear on paper he did. But, what if I told you it wasn't the entire season? I did some research and what I found out was kind of surprising.<br><br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Ike Davis 1st Half: (63 games) .165/.255/.250, 25 BB, 73 K Ike Davis 2nd Half: (40 games) .286/.449/.505, 32 BB, 28 K<br>— WI Sports Blog (@WISportsBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/WISportsBlog/statuses/412005163801395200">December 14, 2013</a></blockquote><br>What this shows exactly is that Ike Davis was sent down to the minor leagues after his horrific start to the 2013 season. His second half numbers show his production when he was called back up to the majors. Did he figure something out while in the minors? Statistics support that theory. Lower strikeouts, high walk rate, and getting on base more. He was clearly seeing the ball better. Melvin sees something in this guy and I think a change of scenery would help Davis.<br><br><br><b>Justin Smoak</b><br><br><a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/mlb/photo/ichiro-suzuki-justin-smoak-ecd229af616e8cd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://media.oregonlive.com/mlb/photo/ichiro-suzuki-justin-smoak-ecd229af616e8cd1.jpg" width="320"></a>Now that the Mariners have acquired every first baseman in the league, they obviously don't need Justin Smoak anymore. Justin Smoak is a switch hitter, but so is Cesar Izturis. Smoak is a far better hitter batting left handed vs. right handed.<br><br>A lot of people say Smoak is broken and can't be fixed. I really can't argue that because his stats are pretty bad, but I will say there was a huge improvement last year from years before.<br><br><br>In 2012, Justin Smoak (in 132 games) hit .217/.290/.364, 85 OPS+, .242 BABIP, 49 BB, 111 SO, -0.2 WAR.<br><br>In 2013, Justin Smoak (in 131 games) hit .238/.334/.412, 113 OPS+, .278 BABIP, 64 BB, 119 SO, +1.1 WAR.<br><br>The one downfall about Smoak is that he's only a first baseman and provides absolutely no depth at any other position. That is obviously something that will factor into who Doug Melvin wants to target.<br><br><br><b>C.J. Cron</b><br><br>Not sure if everyone remembers, but the Angels signed Albert Pujols to a contract where he's their first baseman until he's 42 years old. So, obviously you'd have to imagine the Angels would be willing to deal Cron. Since the Angels are already wheeling and dealing, the Brewer may want to at least kick a tire or two.<br><br>This is not a move where Cron would be starting right away. The only way the Brewers make this trade is if they are dead set on having an internal option (see below) platoon with Juan Francisco. A move for Cron would also mean they have all but given up on Hunter Morris, which already seems like they are heading down that road as it is.<br><br><br><b>Adam Dunn</b><br><br>No.<br><br><br>Other names that are out there are Mitch Moreland and Kyle Blanks. Both of these guys will be tough to pry from their teams as they both are highly valued. The Rangers can always use Moreland in a DH role with Fielder at first base now and the Padres like Blanks as first base/outfield depth. <br><br><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Internal Options</b></u></span><br><br><br><b>Juan Francisco</b><br><br>Doug Melvin said that unless things change, Juan Francisco is slated to be the starting first baseman for the Brewers in 2014. But he also mentioned he's looking into other options (Michael Young, Ike Davis, etc.). Juan will be something to watch this year. He's been playing well in the Dominican Winter League. If he has a sharp spring, I think we might see a nice turnaround for Juan. He's been an experiment that I hope the Brewers staff can fix and repair. He also provides depth at third base.<br><br><br><b>Hunter Morris/Sean Halton/Jason Rogers</b><br><br>Doug Melvin also said that these three will be in the mix as possible depth for first base. Out of the three, Sean Halton makes the most sense. If the team was confident in Hunter Morris he would have been called up already and Jason Rogers hasn't played passed Double-A ball yet. As scary as it sounds, we may end up settling for a Francisco/Halton platoon.<br><br><br><b>Rickie Weeks?</b><br><br>"Go home, Andrew. You're drunk."<div><br><br>If I were to pick an option from each category, I'd go with Jeff Baker from the free agents just because he's a right handed bat who had a lot of under the radar success last year. Trade, I have to go with Ike Davis. I really think he figured things out after his demotion last year. Internally, it's tough to say because I don't like any of it. I suppose Halton is the way to go but I think Weeks should give it a shot. It all remains to be seen. <br><br>Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br><br>-Andrew Vrchota<br><br>Follow us on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/joewiscosports" target="_blank">@JoeWiscoSports</a>.</div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/brewers-remaining-first-base-options.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-4174883600549776448Sat, 14 Dec 2013 22:43:00 +00002013-12-14T16:59:16.449-06:00Green Bay PackersMarquette Golden EaglesMilwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BucksWisconsin BadgersWisconsin Sports BlogWisconsin Sports Blog is Looking for Writers<a class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/wisconsin-sports-blog-is-looking-for.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br />I am looking to fill a few vacancies to the Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team. Here is the basic/minimal criteria I am looking for:<br /><ul><li>Complete knowledge of the Brewers, Packers, Bucks, Badgers, and Golden Eagles, as well as sports in general related to the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NCAA. Knowledge of free agency, prospects, recruits, etc.</li><li>Writing experience is necessary, especially online writing is preferred. </li><li>The ability to construct intelligent, well-written posts summing up the subject at hand.</li><li>Be able to handle constructive criticism.</li><li>Pay attention to detail.</li><li>To use Twitter at it's full capacity, including follower interaction <u><b>(very important)</b></u>. Also the use of other social media applications.</li></ul>You'll have an opportunity to write for a blog that has traffic of over 3,000 readers per month...and that number is climbing. The Wisconsin Sports Blog is a growing community.<br /><br />If you're interested in joining the writing team, email <span style="color: blue;">wisconsinsportsblog[AT]gmail[DOT]com</span> and in a couple of short paragraphs, give a sample of your writing and/or why you should write for the Wisconsin Sports Blog (a resume per say).<br /><br />Thank you in advance for your interest! <u><b>I will respond to all inquiries.</b></u> <br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />-Andrew Vrchota<br />Lead Writer/Editor<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/wisportsblog" target="_blank">@WISportsBlog</a>) for up to date news on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, rumors, previews, and post game discussion. Follow the entire writing team on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/AndrewVrchota" target="_blank">@AndrewVrchota</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jheldred" target="_blank">@jheldred</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/JoeP_Norton" target="_blank">@JoeP_Norton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olewr7" target="_blank">@olewr7</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Stevie2Westside" target="_blank">@Stevie2Westside</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/10iskristin" target="_blank">@10iskristin</a><br /><br /><u><b></b></u>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/wisconsin-sports-blog-is-looking-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-6140033437821891386Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:26:00 +00002013-12-11T17:31:09.234-06:00Corey HartIke DavisJames LoneyLogan MorrisonMilwaukee BrewersMLBRickie WeeksSeattle MarinersWinter MeetingsWinter Meetings Notes: Brewers Edition<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-text="Milwaukee Brewers Winter Meetings Notes" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/winter-meetings-notes-brewers-edition.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2013/12/7978554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2013/12/7978554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Winter Meetings are well underway and it's off to a hot start for many major league teams. This article will be updated as more information becomes available. The following is what is out as of right now that I know of.<br /><br />- The Brewers have contacted the New York Mets again regarding 1B Ike Davis, as have the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets asking price is said to still be way too high and nothing is expected to happen there. [via MLB Trade Rumors]<br /><br />- The Brewers remain in the hunt for Miami Marlins 1B/OF Logan Morrison, as well as a few other teams including the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Pirates. There was a rumbling that Rickie Weeks may be on the table for Logan Morrison but I can't confirm that. Personally, if you're talking Weeks in a trade, you have to assume the Brewers are paying most of that salary anyways or a third team is involved in the trade. [via MLB Trade Rumors]<br /><br />- The Brewers have contacted the San Francisco Giants about 1B Brett Phill. [via Henry Schulman]<br /><br />- The Brewers are looking for veteran relief pitchers. They have not contacted John Axford or Francisco Rodriguez but have checked in on former Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol. [via Tom Haudricourt]<br /><br />- The Brewers have met with Corey Hart's agent. The Brewers will wait for Hart's agent to gather other offers and then will negotiate. Hart remains the Brewers' #1 priority. [via MLB Trade Rumors]<br /><br />- Six teams have apparently checked in on former Brewers "pop out to right field with bases loaded and two out" man Yuniesky Betancourt. Marlins are the most interested, shockingly. [via Chris Cottilo]<br /><br />- Tom Gorzelanny had shoulder surgery. He won't be able to pitch until mid March. Don't be alarmed, it's said to only be a "clean up" procedure. [via Tom Haudricourt]<br /><br />- Aramis Ramirez and Rickie Weeks are on schedule with their rehabs. [via Tom Haudricourt]<br /><br />- Ryan Braun got married over the weekend. [Multiple Reports]<br /><br />UPDATE: (12/10/13 1:43PM CT)<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">I am told there is nothing to rumors that would have <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> sending Aramis Ramirez or Rickie Weeks to Marlins for Logan Morrison. Nothing.<br />— Tom (@Haudricourt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haudricourt/statuses/410494522292854784">December 10, 2013</a></blockquote><br />- Tom Haudricourt states in his following tweets that the "Brewers would not trade for a first baseman unless they get a definite no from Corey Hart. And they are hoping for answer very soon." Tom next tweet was rather confusing to tell what he meant to say, but believes the "Brewers have told Corey Hart what they'd be willing to do. A matter of accepting it or not. If not, trade for 1B." In addition, Tom states that "Weeks is recovering from major injury, has $11 M contract and has been in two-year offensive decline. Not a very marketable trade candidate."<br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> are hoping for an answer from Corey Hart before the end of Winter Meetings, Melvin says. Decision will dictate club's next step.<br />— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/statuses/410509705661120512">December 10, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />Adam's tweet pretty much echos Haudrcourt's, but that's the latest on Corey Hart.<br /><br />UPDATE: (12/10/13 4:36PM CT)<br /><br />- Report: Corey Hart and the Milwaukee Brewers are actively moving towards a contract agreement and have been all day. It is expected to be completed before the Winter Meetings are over. Full report on said activities were reported by the Brewer Nation Blog.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Hot Stove Report - Source: Brewers/Hart Actively Working Toward Agreement <a href="http://t.co/WQmbO4nAAL">http://t.co/WQmbO4nAAL</a><br />— The Brewer Nation (@BrewerNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrewerNation/statuses/410528433383276544">December 10, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />The Brewers, as mentioned above, will not pursue a trade until the hear from Corey Hart on the offer they submitted to him. I can't imagine the Brewers will wait an extended amount of time on Hart. I would expect an announcement within the next 24 hours.<br /><br />- Ron Roenicke named Tyler Thornburg the Brewers front runner to be the 5th starter for the rotation in 2014. The rotation would sit at Lohse, Gallardo, Estrada, Peralta, Thornburg. [via Adam McCalvy]<br /><br />- Ron Roenicke also says that he doesn't need to know the specifics on Ryan Braun's steroid use and neither does anyone else. [via Adam McCalvy]<br /><br />- Ron Roenicke confirms Scooter Gennett is penciled in as the starting second baseman for the Brewers heading into the 2014 season. Rickie Weeks' future is up in the air. [via Adam McCalvy]<br /><br />Personally, if Rickie wants to impress, he may want to think about trying third base out. That would be a tough transition for him because of his arm strength. But, he really has no other choice.<br /><br />UPDATE: (12/10/13 8:20PM CT)<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Don't be surprised if free agent 1B Corey Hart makes his decision tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> still in play.<br />— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/statuses/410587110673223680">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> Corey Hart could make his decision as early as tonight, tweets Adam McCalvy. The Brewers were reported earlier to have been working with Hart all day on a deal. Hopefully it pays off.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">If <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> find out they're not signing Hart, sound positioned to move quickly on Ike Davis. Have done extensive background work on him.<br />— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinoNYDN/statuses/410599731530723328">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> If the Brewers miss out of Hart and don't end up being the team that signs him, it appears they have a back up plan...Ike Davis. (UGH)<br /><br />UPDATE: (12/10/13 9:42PM CT)<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Source: Mets asked Brewers for young, controllable pitching for Ike - Thornburg among others. MIL said no and were told they're out.<br />— Jim Duquette (@Jim_Duquette) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jim_Duquette/statuses/410615024877850625">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />Good to hear. I did not want Ike Davis. Lots of people did not want Ike Davis. I'm so happy to know Melvin isn't willing to trade a young pitcher like Tyler Thornburg for a crap shoot in Davis. Now signing Corey Hart is even more important.<br /><br />UPDATE: (12/11/13 9:07PM CT)<br /><br />- Reports have suggested that Doug Melvin has set a noon deadline for Corey Hart on his decision. Haudricourt is very optimistic about Hart returning to the Brewers. But, he notes that all it takes is one team to swoop in to change that optimism. If Hart doesn't return, the Brewers seem to be set on their internal options of Juan Francisco, Sean Halton, and Hunter Morris. They are no longer in talks with the Marlins about Logan Morrison and the Mets about Ike Davis. [via Tom Haudricourt]<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">I was told yesterday that <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> were out on Logan Morrison. Now speculation is that they will try again if Corey Hart says no.<br />— Tom (@Haudricourt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haudricourt/statuses/410791540823314432">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />Now it appears Morrison/Marlins trade might end up being the backup plan if Hart says no, according to Tom Haudricourt.<br /><br />- According to Adam Marchand of ESPN, the Brewers are among eight other teams that have checked in on left handed pitcher Johan Santana. Other teams to check in are the Mets, Yankees, Pirates, Twins, Rays, Orioles, and Royals. Not sure the extent of the interest or how much both sides talked, but it makes sense. Johan would be a pretty affordable option to have. He has had injury issues, specifically to his throwing shoulder. Those surgeries have made Johan miss two out of the last three seasons. [via ESPN] <br /><br />- According to Adam McCalvy, Doug Melvin spoke to James Loney’s agent early Wednesday morning. McCalvy wrote "...there could theoretically be opportunity there if Loney comes down from his reported three-year request." McCalvy added "trades with the Mets for Ike Davis or the Marlins for Logan Morrison are possible, though the Mets’ ask was pretty high for Davis, a player who struggled so mightily in 2013 that he was demoted to Triple-A at one point. New York wants Tyler Thornburg, and sounded firm on it." [via Brewers Beat]<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Mariners&amp;src=hash">#Mariners</a> are in on Corey Hart. gm jack zduriencik drafted him for milw. would bat behind cano. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23brewers&amp;src=hash">#brewers</a> also in.<br />— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/statuses/410841535521894400">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> According to multiple reports, Corey Hart is down to two teams...the Brewers and the Mariners. Corey has strong connections with Seattle, as GM Jack Zduriencik drafted him. If the Mariners get Hart, you have to wonder if they'd be willing to trade Justin Smoak. And, since the Brewers are all for trading for Ike Davis or Logan Morrison, I don't see why they wouldn't consider Smoak. [via Multiple Reports]<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">corey hart is headed for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mariners&amp;src=hash">#mariners</a>, according to sources. 1 year deal. will likely bat behind cano.<br />— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/statuses/410854181092618240">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> - Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that Corey Hart is heading to the Mariners on a one year deal. Adam McCalvy also confirmed Hart is going to Seattle. From what it sounds like, Seattle offered him a deal he simply could not turn down. Should be interesting to see the exact details of it.<br /><br />The Brewers were prepared to sign Hart to a one year deal was worth $4MM guaranteed with $2.5MM in earning incentives, totaling a max of $6.5MM<br /><br /><b>Seattle's deal is worth $6MM guaranteed with $7MM earning incentives, totaling $13MM</b>.<br /><br />- Buster Olney of ESPN tweets that the Brewers have been talking to James Loney. He implies that he could be the next target for the Brewers if the team chooses not to trade for Davis, Morrison, etc.<br /><br />- Moments after the Mariners signed Corey Hart, they also acquired Logan Morrison from the Marlins in exchange for RHP Carter Capps. They really hurts the remaining players available for the Brewers. Ike Davis, Justin Smoak, and Mitch Moreland via trade, or free agent James Loney. Brewers are in talks with James Loney's agent. [via Multiple Sources] <br /><br />- Adam McCalvy tweets that the Brewers have sincere interest in James Loney, but don't expect to get anything done before they leave Orlando tomorrow. [via Adam McCalvy]<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">One unrelated detail: With an opening on 40-man roster, Melvin said <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> might make Rule 5 pick on Thursday.<br />— Tom (@Haudricourt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haudricourt/statuses/410883579300683776">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>- Doug Melvin hints he may have his eye on someone in the Rule 5 Draft, since the team's 40 man roster sits at 39. Let the speculation begin.<br /><br /><br />More to come as it becomes available....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- </b><b>Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota) </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;@AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.</span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/winter-meetings-notes-brewers-edition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-8332941367683103150Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:12:00 +00002013-12-05T16:29:29.324-06:00Kansas City RoyalsKhris DavisMilwaukee BrewersNorichika AokiRyan BraunWill SmithBrewers Traded Norichika Aoki, Acquire Left Handed Pitcher<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Brewers" data-text="Brewers Trade Norichika Aoki, Acquire Left Handed Pitcher From Royals" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/brewers-traded-norichika-aoki-acquire.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dWko3cMFWE/UqD5QaH79hI/AAAAAAAAAcc/mM_BkpcsfSQ/s1600/AokiSmith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dWko3cMFWE/UqD5QaH79hI/AAAAAAAAAcc/mM_BkpcsfSQ/s320/AokiSmith.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aoki (left), Smith (right). In case you didn't know.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to trade outfielder Norichika Aoki to the Kansas City Royals for left handed pitcher Will Smith. With this trade, the Brewers officially announced that Ryan Braun will be making the move from left to right field this spring. I'll get into Will Smith in a bit, but first let's look at what the departure of Nori Aoki does to our outfield depth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And, by depth, I mean log jam. The Brewers had three solid starting outfielders to start the 2013 season in Ryan Braun, Carlos Gomez, and Norichika Aoki. Sitting behind them were Khris Davis, Logan Schafer, and Caleb Gindl. Those three are very sound outfielders that could honestly be starters on other baseball teams. Heck, even in the minors the Brewers have Kentrail Davis who we will likely lose in the Rule 5 draft. Moving Aoki allows the Brewers to free up space for the younger class to get Big League playing time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Becoming a free agent after the 2014 season, this trade should come at now surprise. People will claim we should have gotten more for Nori, but I'll agree to disagree with that. All signs pointed to a downgrade in productivity this season by Aoki. For one, he lost a full point of oWAR between the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In 2012, Aoki attempted 38 stolen bases and converted 30 of them. In 2013, he attempted 32 stolen bases but only converted 20 of them. He was also picked off a total of 7 times in 2013. That's a huge difference and a sign of declining speed. <br /><br />Defensively, the Royals are getting a premium player. Through two seasons with the Brewers, Aoki carries a .989 Fielding %. In 2013, Aoki had 13 defensive runs saved above average (R<i>drs</i>) which is pretty decent for a right fielder. In comparison, Jason Heyward of the Braves had 15 R<i>drs</i>, who is considered one of the top defensive right fielders in the game.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3wolxNE7Qs/UqD-KvOpTTI/AAAAAAAAAco/EOw6HKdvFik/s1600/2014+Brewers+Outfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3wolxNE7Qs/UqD-KvOpTTI/AAAAAAAAAco/EOw6HKdvFik/s640/2014+Brewers+Outfield.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />So, who is the lead-off hitter now you ask? You have a couple different options.<br /><br /><u>vs. LHP lineup</u><br /><br />1. Jean Segura<br />2. Carlos Gomez<br />3. Ryan Braun<br />4. Aramis Ramirez<br />5. Jonathan Lucroy<br />6. Khris Davis<br />7. Fat Juan/Corey Hart (?)<br />8. Rickie Weeks<br />9. Pitcher<br /><br /><u>vs. RHP lineup</u><br /><br />1. Scooter Gennett<br />2. Jean Segura<br />3. Ryan Braun<br />4. Aramis Ramirez<br />5. Carlos Gomez<br />6. Jonathan Lucroy<br />7. Khris Davis<br />8. Fat Juan/Corey Hart (?)<br />9. Pitcher<br /><br />In some cases you could have Carlos Gomez lead off too. But, it won't be hard to figure out or lineup. RRR will likely play around with his lineups in spring to figure that out. I'm looking forward to see how the club sorts out their bench for Opening Day. The team basically has three spots locked up already in Martin Maldonado, Scooter Gennett, and whoever platoons with Juan Francisco. You need to add a back up short stop and then decide between Logan Schafer or Caleb Gindl as your 4th outfielder. In my opinion, you go with speed and defense and stick Logan in there.<br /><br />Now, onto the pitcher the Brewers acquired.<br /><br />Will Smith is a 24 year old left handed pitcher who will likely end up in the bullpen for the 2014 season. He has potential to work his way into the rotation, but he has some work to do to get there. He is arbitration eligible in 2016 and a free agent in 2020. Will had an impressive turnaround in 2013 as a reliever from a somewhat disastrous 2012 as a starter. Will increased his K/9 from 5.9 to 11.6 while reducing his BB/9 from 3.3 to 1.9. Will has an insanely good slider. Researched by the great <a href="http://twitter.com/alecdopp" target="_blank">Alec Dopp</a>, Will Smith's slider held batters to .093/.130/.186 line in 2013 and generated 55.6% chase rate, which was the 2nd highest among pitchers with 33 IP or more.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">A look at opponents' swing rate against Will Smith's slider last season. More than 1/2 were on non-strikes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brewers&amp;src=hash">#Brewers</a> <a href="http://t.co/20D63HK4S2">pic.twitter.com/20D63HK4S2</a><br />— Alec Dopp (@alecdopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/alecdopp/statuses/408628731112996864">December 5, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />Overlooking the trade, I'd give it a B-. You trade a valuable outfielder who is blatantly getting older and slower. He became expendable with the emergence of Khris Davis and is a free agent after the 2014 season. In return you get a young left handed arm, which is something the Brewers' organization was missing. I'd give it a higher grade because I do believe we could have squeezed out an additional player for Nori. The Brewers have enough dead weight on the 40 man roster where we would be okay to outright someone.<br /><br />I will miss Nori Aoki. The production he gave the Brewers of both sides of the game were greatly appreciated and recognized. The organization loses a humble, passionate player that brought a lot of excitement to The Keg. From his walk up music to his unforgettable inside the park home run, Nori, you were a fun player to watch. Best of luck to you in Kansas City. Enjoy their barbeque.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- </b><b>Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota) </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;@AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.</span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/brewers-traded-norichika-aoki-acquire.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-6722527841063739828Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:43:00 +00002013-11-21T23:46:44.325-06:002014 NFL DraftAhmad DixonCarrington ByndomChris BorlandDri ArcherGreen Bay PackersJace AmaroLogan ThomasMichael SamTed ThompsonPackers Mid-Season 7 Round Mock Draft<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Packers" data-text="Green Bay Packers Mid-Season 7 Round Mock Draft" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/packers-mid-season-7-round-mock-draft.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br><br><div dir="ltr"><b>Round 1 - </b><b>Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech</b></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">This wouldn't have been my pick a few months ago. But, with the latest developments to Jermichael Finley's severe injury and questionable future as a football player not just on the Green Bay Packers, but in the National Footwritten, ague, this is a wise choice for Green Bay.<br><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/dailytoreador.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/c8/1c83e6be-21aa-11e3-ac06-0019bb30f31a/523bca09b3de4.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/dailytoreador.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/c8/1c83e6be-21aa-11e3-ac06-0019bb30f31a/523bca09b3de4.image.jpg" width="400"></a>Jace Amaro (right), a junior at Texas Tech, was the highest ranked player out of high school to ever commit to the Red Raiders in team history. He's got a tall figure. A bit bulky, but has room to put on muscle. Runs great routes and has smooth maneuvers when going for extra yards. He breaks tackles with his motoring skills. All around, a great tight end prospect the Packers will be looking at on draft day.</div><br>Note: You'll find dirt on Jace Amaro from 2012. Jace and a teammate were arrested for reportedly making a purchase on a debit card without having the consent of the card holder to do so. From what I dug up, it was a teammates card. I don't think this is a red flag at all, considering other teams/players in the news in the recent years.<br><br>As far as injuries, in his sophomore year he was hit pretty hard in the midsection where he broke a rib and had his spleen punctured. He missed three weeks and was in the hospital on bed rest during that time. This past week he suffered an injury to his chest by Baylor safety Ahmad Dixon.<br><br>Coincidentally, Ahmad Dixon is my second round pick. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><a href="http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/12/30/media_c3ca2be8445c4d1595abe85226cebc2a_t607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/12/30/media_c3ca2be8445c4d1595abe85226cebc2a_t607.jpg" width="211"></a><b>Round 2 - Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor</b><br><br></div><div dir="ltr">Ahmad Dixon is a projected second/third round pick, but he may be the best strong safety prospect in next year's draft. I think as the season carries on, Dixon's stock will rise into possibly even a Top 32 prospect. Dixon has speed and youth. By youth, i nean room to mature and grow. He's extremely fast running down field, which helps prevent the deep ball game a lot of quarterbacks like to mix in every now and then. He also is very aware of running games and will get involved in those contact plays as well.<br><br>At Baylor, during his sophomore and junior years, he played the strong safety position. This year, though, he has been playing a "hybrid" safety/linebacker position. Dixon still runs a 4.5 40 and will be drafted as a safety. With the Packers' defensive backs not impressing, especially M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian, they need to draft a defensive back early this draft.<br><br>Dixon would probably be a Top 32 pick already had it not been for his arrest for a misdemeanor assault back in September. <span class="st">He allegedly attacked a man he believed had broken into his home. Not sure the exact story, but this wasn't at a bar or a nightclub where Dixon shouldn't have been. Not defending anything that happened, but it could have been a worse situation. </span><br><br></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Round 3 - </b><b><b>Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri<br>&nbsp;</b></b><br><div dir="ltr">Listed as a defensive end in college, he is much more projectable as a pass rushing outside linebacker. But, for what it's worth, I'll analyze both scenarios. First off, who is he and why such a high pick for someone you haven't heard of? As of the time this article was written, Michael Sam is tied with Vic Beasley for the most sacks this season with 10. He has a total of 16 tackles for losses, 1 forced fumble that he returned for a touchdown, and 24 solo tackles with 8 assisted.<br><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.ky3.com/image/view/-/22532104/highRes/1/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/4x9tm2z/-/Michael-Sam-Mizzou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.ky3.com/image/view/-/22532104/highRes/1/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/4x9tm2z/-/Michael-Sam-Mizzou.jpg" width="320"></a>As an outside linebacker, Sam would back up Clay Matthews and Nick Perry to provide a nice, well rested cycle of pass rushers that still has steam in the 4th quarter. Pass rush is still a part of the game the Packers need to improve on. There was a decline in pass rush after the Super Bowl season when we went from 47 sacks in 2010, to 29 sacks in 2011, then back up to 46 in 2012, and now through seven games the defense has 23 sacks. To keep things at consistent production, providing the depth necessary to continue to rush the quarterback is a great idea here.</div><br>As a defensive end, it seems we are at the tail end of the C.J. Wilson experience. We drafted Datone Jones in last year's draft and now this year if we take another defensive lineman it could mark the end of it. Wilson just isn't getting playing time over Raji, Daniels, Pickett, Jolly, and Jones. With the line aging overall, Sam can provide youth to replenish what we're losing to time.<br><br>He's majoring in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. </div><br><b>Round 4 - Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin</b><br><b><br></b>A.J. Hawk isn't getting any younger. However, as of late, that hasn't really shown in his play. In the absence of Clay Matthews with his broken thumb, Hawk has really stepped it up for the Packers. Nonetheless, when Matthews was around, Hawk seemed to be lost at times. Adding depth at inside linebacker, just like outside, is a very good idea heading into May's draft.<br><br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The term "football player" gets thrown around a lot in evaluations. To me, no one personifies that better than Chris Borland of Wisconsin.<br>— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) <a href="https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/statuses/395928652556148737">October 31, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br>Chris Borland is not your typical linebacker. Not at 5'11". However, the intensity Borland brings to the field every game makes up for his size. Borland has a knack for being involved in every play, every tackle. The numbers he has put up since a true freshman at Wisconsin is astonishing. Going into this Saturday's game Borland has 362 career tackles, over 50 tackles for loss, 13 forced fumbles, 15 sacks, and 3 interceptions.<br><br>Borland's instincts, mental preparation, and passion outweigh his smaller stature. His involvement on every play makes him an elite linebacker that can prevent a run game, attack the quarterback, and cause turnovers. I would love to see the Packers start day three of the draft with Chris Borland, the hometown kid.<br><br>If I were to not to go with Borland just because he's a Badger, I'm still really high on <b>Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State </b>from a month or so ago.<br><br><a href="http://nfldraftupdate.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/logan_thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://nfldraftupdate.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/logan_thomas.jpg" width="320"></a><b>Round 5 - </b><b>Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech</b><br><br>Logan Thomas is getting Cam Newton comparisons, which is a big comparison to throw out there. In a draft full of quarterbacks going in the first round, Logan will likely slip under the radar while Bridgewater, Manziel and Mariota are in the spotlight. Oh yeah, and don't forget Hundley, Carr, Mettenberger, Boyd, McCarron, and Murray too. My point is that not every team needs a QB, so the likelihood of Thomas falling here is great.<br><br>If you watched the Virginia Tech/Miami game from this past week, you know the kind of impact player Thomas is. He's 6-6, 254 pounds and runs a 4.6 40. It's a good investment for the Packers to draft a back up quarterback, at least to put in development. I'm totally fine with either Tolzien or Flynn backing up Rodgers next year and then having Thomas on the practice squad.&nbsp; <br><b><br>Round 6 - </b><b><b>Dri Archer, RB/WR, Kent State</b>&nbsp;</b><br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/scMAy5rM3Eo" width="560"></iframe><br><br>Meet the fastest player in this draft class. Dri Archer may be only 5-8, 178 pounds, but he's a speed demon. He's been clocked at running a 40 yard dash at 4.37. The Packers need to address the kick returning hole the team as after Jeremy Ross was cut and Johnathan Franklin struggled. Archer is a perfect example of a Devin Hester type player. Strictly on the team to return punts and kick offs. But, also, available to be a deep threat for Aaron Rodgers. Nothing else to really say here. It's a smart pick for the sixth round.<b> </b><br><br><b>Round 7 - Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas</b><br><br><a href="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/30261-1/CarringtonByndom300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/30261-1/CarringtonByndom300.jpg" width="244"></a>With the injuries to Sam Shields and Casey Hayward and the decline in productivity in Tramon Williams this year as well as the mediocre play by Davon House, the Packers need to figure out things at the corner back position. Now, I will defend the corner backs a bit because of our lack of pass rush and all of our other issues on defense, but we give up big plays to wide receivers on the first plays of the game all the way to the last plays of game.<br><br>Byndom would be a great steal for the Packers in the seventh round here. He's a solid defender. He's very lean, which could haunt him against guys like Calvin Johnson and co., but his quickness and athleticism counter the size deficiency nicely. He has room to put on some weight, but at a 4.5 40 time, I'm not sure how much more bulk he'd want to put on. He's a standard six feet tall, so at least there's that.<br><br>CBS's Rob Rang wrote this little excerpt about Carrington...<br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br><i>Byndom's lean frame allowed him to be pushed around by some of the bigger, more physical receivers in the conference, but his agility and hand-eye coordination quickly established him as a cornerback to think twice about challenging. </i><br><br><i>--Rob Rang </i></blockquote><br>As far as what Green Bay would be looking for in the undrafted free agent side of things, I would expect a good amount of offensive and defensive linemen signed. Also, probably a fullback, another tight end, and a few wide receivers and linebackers too. <br><br>I'll have another Mock Draft for the Packers after the Super Bowl in late January if not sooner. Until then, Go Pack Go!<br><br><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.</span><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- </b><b>Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota) </b></span><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;@AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.</span></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/packers-mid-season-7-round-mock-draft.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Andrew Vrchota)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-9095400241755678271Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:56:00 +00002013-11-08T08:00:43.996-06:00Ben BrustBo RyanFrank KaminskyGeorge MarshallJosh GasserSam DekkerTraevon JacksonWisconsin BadgersDeath, Taxes, and Bo Ryan - A Wisconsin Badger Basketball Preview<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hdwallpapersinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bo-Ryan-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.hdwallpapersinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bo-Ryan-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bo Ryan making it rain</td></tr></tbody></table><a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="Badgers" data-text="Death, Taxes and Bo Ryan - 2013-1014 Wisconsin Badger Basketball Preview" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/death-taxes-and-bo-ryan-2013-1014.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The college basketball season is upon us, which means Bo Ryan’s Wisconsin team once again figures to finish in the top 4 of the Big Ten and make the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;The bad news - the Badgers have to replace all three starting front court players and only return two post players that averaged more than ten minutes a game. The good news - they return four guards that have starting experience in a <o:p></o:p>Wisconsin uniform, oh let’s not forget Sam Dekker, but more on him later.<br /><br />For the most part the eight man rotation is set. &nbsp;F Frank Kaminsky, F Sam Dekker, G Josh Gasser, G Ben Brust and G Traevon Jackson will start. G George Marshall, F Duje Dukan and F Zach Bohannon will start out as the first options off the bench. However, a couple freshmen, F Nigel Hayes and G Bronson Koenig, will make their case for more playing time as the season progresses. In fact, let’s break down the roster.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Each player will be projected into one of the following categories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Redshirts -<b> </b>these players have either announced a redshirt year or could benefit from a year of development in the program.<br /><br />Bench Mob – these players figure to play sparingly. Perhaps someone push for playing time as eight or ninth option in the rotation.<br /><br />Wildcards – freshman who are talented enough to play right away if they can be trusted, could be surpassed by one of the bench mob.<br /><br />Starting Level Role Players – solid players that due to team needs can/should contribute one or two specific attributes.<br /><br />Running Mates – high level players capable of carrying the team on some nights and in favorable matchups.<br /><br />Alpha Dog – can dominate any game against any competition<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Redshirts <o:p></o:p></b><br /><br /><b>Aaron Moesch</b> – Preferred walk on needs a year to add strength and develop in order to consistently contribute<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Jordan Smith</b> – Guard depth will allow Smith to take a year of development in hopes he can contribute more as a redshirt senior than this year.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Zak Showalter</b> – Same story, loaded guard position this season, will be able to see the floor more as a redshirt junior or senior. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Jordan Hill</b> – Despite no big time college offers out of high school Hill has shown during Canada trip and exhibitions he definitely belongs on this level. Quick feet and aggressive defense means he will be a mainstay in the rotation sometime during his time at Wisconsin. Guard depth and age (won’t turn 19 until December) means he could benefit from another year with the team and not use eligibility. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Riley Dearring</b> – More of the same, guard depth is the biggest reason for him redshirt. &nbsp;Dearing will be a solid contributor and rotational player in 2-3 years. &nbsp;He has nice length and a very good outside shot. Dearring will definitely benefit from a year in strength program to add quickness and explosiveness.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bench Mob</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.espnwisconsin.com/upload/Benchmob576IU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.espnwisconsin.com/upload/Benchmob576IU.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><o:p></o:p></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Evan Anderson</b> – Hard to see him on the floor consistently in meaningful action unless there is significant foul trouble along the front court.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Zach Bohannon</b> – A solid player who can be counted on in spurts to play solid defense and play within the offense. He will need to hold off Vitto Brown for playing time as the fifth forward in the rotation. He has earned the coaches trust with his high basketball IQ, he is rarely out of position. However he will be challenged to consistently score on offense against strong and quicker players.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Vitto Brown</b> – Very talented defensively and will use that advantage for playing time in games when the Badgers need more muscle on the board and in post defense. Bo Ryan rarely uses more than eight guys in a consistent rotation and right now Brown is probably running ninth. Will need to show during the non-conference slate he can be counted on in order to get more playing time against Big Ten competition.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Duje Dukan</b> – Redshirted year last year and improved his confidence and assertiveness on the offensive end. During the Canada trip, Dukan averaged 8.8 points a game good for fifth highest production on the team. Playing time will be heavily tied to his energy and effort on the defensive end where he will be asked to guard players with a sizable weight and strength advantage. Will start as the first forward off the bench, but could lose that role to Hayes or Brown as the season progresses. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Wildcards<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Nigel Hayes</b> – During the Canada trip in August, Hayes didn’t play much and looked every bit like a freshman experiencing his first major college basketball action. &nbsp;In the exhibition game against UW-Platteville, Hayes displayed a knack for offensive rebounding and tallied an efficient 8 points on 4-7 shooting in 14 minutes. He also impressed in a combined practice (closed door scrimmage) against DePaul. Hayes pushing for playing time over Dukan and Bohannon is a best case scenario and will translate to a more complete and versatile team. A lot is riding on Hayes this year.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><b>Bronson Koenig</b> – Probably the most college ready player of the freshman. It speaks to Koenig’s talent that he can compete for playing time with all the guard depth. The Badgers will frequently be using three and perhaps four guard lineups. Koenig is comfortable at either guard spot and will not be overwhelmed by the level of competition. He is always in control and excels and running the offense and seeing the floor. If Koenig progresses as expected he will keep the guard rotation with fresher legs, especially as Gasser works back from ACL surgery.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Starting Level Role Players</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22643181/20120315_jla_sc5_264.0_standard_709.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22643181/20120315_jla_sc5_264.0_standard_709.0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Josh Gasser</b> – Aside from the freshman, Gasser is the biggest unknown entering the year. When the season starts he will be just over a year removed from tearing his ACL. How close is he to the player that held Vanderbilt’s John Jenkins to his worst shooting performance (13 points on 3-13 shooting, 20 ppg on the season) in the 2012 NCAA tournament? Gasser is an outstanding and versatile defender when healthy. His ability to guard opposing team’s small forwards will determine how successful the Badgers can be using three or even four guard lineups. Gasser also has amazing court presence and is an outstanding rebounder for a guard. Badgers will need their guards to pick up some of the rebound void left by Evans, Bruiser and Berggren. Expect Gasser to lead the way.<br /><br /><a href="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/4d9cLg6Rjh82w7gTmh.UpQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusncaabexperts/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/4d9cLg6Rjh82w7gTmh.UpQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusncaabexperts/10.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>George Marshall</b> – Marshall finished last year with the team’s third best 3-point shooting percentage and really established himself as spot up shooter. As he makes the leap from redshirt freshman to sophomore, Marshall will be expected to contribute more than long distance shooting. Last year he had a tendency to play too fast and let his game spin out of control. With another year under his belt, Marshall can focus that energy and provide a nice change of pace off the bench.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8eL5j7WoDuk?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><b>Traevon Jackson</b> – Last year was a huge growing up season for Traevon Jackson. He had three different game tying or winning shots but was also good for one extremely lazy turnover and one heated argument with a teammate or official per game. By his own <a href="http://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/uw-s-jackson-works-hard-to-improve-game/article_8651a152-3740-11e3-bd5d-001a4bcf887a.html">account</a>&nbsp;the biggest thing he worked on to improve his game during the offseason was his maturity. He has earned and cemented his place at the point guard of the team. Expect to see a lot of games similar to the exhibition against Platteville: 7 assists, 1 turnover and a Badger victory. The Badgers do not need Trae to shoulder the scoring burden every night, but having a player with the big shot chops out on the court every night is a luxury few teams have.<o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Running Mates<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/T1ybVm3Oxyw?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><b>Ben Brust</b> – Continues the outstanding tradition of guard development under the tutelage of Bo Ryan. Brust is an accomplished shooter and can get hot and change a game in a hurry. He has made 6 or more 3 pointer three different games. He also is responsible for one of the more iconic shots in Badger history. But he is more than a shooter. Brust has improved in every facet of the game each year since arriving in Madison. He provides above average perimeter defense and rebounding for his position. It will not be unusual to see Brust lead the team in scoring, however, his energy and leadership (1 of 2 seniors on the roster) will be needed most this year. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wis/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/8421066.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wis/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/8421066.jpeg" width="120" /></a><b>Frank Kaminsky</b> - Perhaps no other player on the roster enters this season with as much pressure as Kaminsky. Listed at 7’ (just the 5<sup>th</sup> 7-footer in program history) he will be shoulder a bulk of the defense and rebounding void left by Berggren, Evans and Bruesewitz. The good news is Kaminsky displayed an assertive offensive game in Canada averaging 15.6 points. His long range shooting (over 30% from 3 point range) stretches the defense and opens up lanes for the guards to drive. The bad news is Frank averaged just 2 rebounds a game last year. Kaminsky will need to rebound at a rate befitting a 7-footer. If Ben Brust is the leading rebounder on the season, it is going to be a long year.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><b>Alpha Dog</b><br /><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dV51TnpWjE8?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><b>Sam Dekker</b> – Bear with me. I promise not to make this Ode to Dekker too long and glowing, but make no mistake, he is going to be really, REALLY good. During the team’s annual preseason media day, Bo Ryan offered up this tidbit on Dekker “He’s in the process of really tinkering with being pretty special”. Dekker played 22 minutes a game even with three senior front court players in the starting lineup and eventually found his role as “instant offense” off the bench. There were moments though, like the 10 straight points against Indiana in the Big Ten Conference Tournament Semi Finals where Dekker hinted it was only a matter of time for him to break out as one the conference’s elite players. During the Canada trip, Dekker averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. As impressive as those numbers are, seeing him in action provided more context on how he controlled play and raised his game at the end. Early on, Dekker played within the offense and didn’t force anything. But with the game on the line in the second half, he took over. Devin Harris was the best I’ve seen in a Badger uniform and he was wired the same way. Run the swing offense, assess the other team early and in crunch time, take over. Thus far Dekker has handled the increased pressure of being the go-to scorer and leader. He’s been more vocal in practice and knows other players are following his lead. Yet when asked what has changed now that this as “his team”, Dekker responded “It should never be anyone’s team. It’s Coach Ryan’s team. This is the University of Wisconsin’s team”. And that quote tells you all you need to know about Sam Dekker.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- </b><b>Neal Olson (@olewr7)&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;@AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.</span></div>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/death-taxes-and-bo-ryan-2013-1014.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Neal)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346914371089206267.post-7964808449804362896Wed, 30 Oct 2013 15:19:00 +00002013-10-30T10:24:45.414-05:00Brandon KnightCaron ButlerErsan IlyasovaGiannis AntetokounmpoLarry DrewLarry SandersMilwaukee BucksOJ MayoSANDERS!, Greece Lightning, and Mayo - Your 2013-14 Bucks Preview <a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="NBA" data-text="SANDERS!, Greece Lightning, and Mayo - Your 2013-14 #Bucks Preview" data-url="http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/sanders-greece-lightning-and-mayo-your.html" data-via="WISportsBlog" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkI9Y6oL2q4/UnCZO_RUdoI/AAAAAAAAAn8/WK0lzGWGqjo/s1600/mrsanders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkI9Y6oL2q4/UnCZO_RUdoI/AAAAAAAAAn8/WK0lzGWGqjo/s640/mrsanders.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Coming off a <strike>successful</strike>&nbsp;season were they won 38 games and earned the right to get pummeled by the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks decided it was time for a change. More accurately, they decided going for the 8th seed was fine but decided to do it with different players. They jettisoned most of the roster in favor of more efficient and well-rounded basketball players in an attempt to become more watchable and less like they suck so bad. Unfortunately, the Eastern Conference has gotten a little better, so the road to the playoffs will be a little rougher. Let's start this Bucks preview by looking at what they did this summer.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Additions and subtractions</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b>Subtractions</b><br />SG Monta Ellis (free agent, signed with the Dallas Mavericks)<br />PG Brandon Jennings (traded to the Detroit Pistons for Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton and some random big dude)<br />SG JJ Redick (sign-and-trade with the LA Clippers, received two second-round picks)<br />G/F Mike Dunleavy (free agent, signed with the Chicago Bulls)<br />F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (traded to the Sacramento Kings for two second-round picks)<br />C Samuel Dalembert (free agent, signed with the Dallas Mavericks)<br />G/F Marquis Daniels (free agent)<br />F/C Drew Gooden (amnesty, LOL)<br />F/C Gustavo Ayon (waived, signed with the Atlanta Hawks)<br />C Joel Przybilla (free agent)<br />PG Ish Smith (traded to the Phoenix Suns for Caron Butler)<br /><br /><b>Additions</b><br />PG Brandon Knight (trade with Detroit Pistons)<br />SG OJ Mayo (free agent)<br />G/F Carlos Delfino (free agent)<br />SF Caron Butler (trade with Phoenix Suns)<br />C Zaza Pachulia (free agent)<br />G Gary Neal (free agent)<br />F Khris Middleton (free agent)<br />C Miroslav Raduljica (free agent)<br />PG Luke Ridnour (trade with Minnesota Timberwolves)<br />F Giannis Antetokounmpo (first-round pick)<br />G Nate Wolters (second-round pick)<br /><br />That's a lot of moves.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxBeQVQCViA/UnCipOmUJtI/AAAAAAAAAoM/FFlOig-Cc3s/s1600/ers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxBeQVQCViA/UnCipOmUJtI/AAAAAAAAAoM/FFlOig-Cc3s/s320/ers.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some dude in front of Ersan has a question</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bucks by position</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <b>Probable Starting Lineup</b><br /><br />PG Brandon Knight<br />SG OJ Mayo<br />SF Caron Butler<br />PF <b>Ersan Ilyasova</b><br />C LARRY SANDERS!<br /><br /><b>Bench</b><br />Guards: Gary Neal, Luke Ridnour, Nate Wolters, Carlos Delfino<br />Forwards: John Henson, Ekpe Udoh, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton<br />Centers: Zaza Pachulia, Miroslav Raduljica<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><b>Guards</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIf_dQ8DTLY/UnDW5bkvOZI/AAAAAAAAApU/AiYeYet1xXw/s1600/welp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIf_dQ8DTLY/UnDW5bkvOZI/AAAAAAAAApU/AiYeYet1xXw/s1600/welp.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Bucks sent their whole 2012-13 backcourt away this offseason, and rightfully so. Brandon Jennings was clearly unhappy in Milwaukee, and wasn't progressing the way the front office expected. Monta Ellis was a no-defense, inefficient ballhog and JJ Redick couldn't fit in. Ish Smith wasn't the champion the Bucks needed.<br /><br />By trading Jennings for Knight, they essentially swapped disappointing guards with the Pistons. Knight shoots the 3 well, can defend, and has had some moments (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_rKW3HL9GE">not all were good</a>), but overall isn't a natural point guard and isn't a very efficient shooter inside the three-point line.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zkx_09bywk/UnCl16LfUaI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tBj0ZaXYGGg/s1600/Shotchart_1383114140434.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zkx_09bywk/UnCl16LfUaI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tBj0ZaXYGGg/s400/Shotchart_1383114140434.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: meh</td></tr></tbody></table>He does have youth on his side, and head coach Larry Drew had success turning Jeff Teague into a good NBA point guard, so the jury is still out on Knight. His backcourt mate, OJ Mayo, is a little more of a known quantity. He's also a good three-point shooter, can create his own shot, passes well, and at least early on in his career was regarded as a solid defender. He's also inconsistent and has had issues with effort on both sides of the ball. He should lead the team in scoring, but that says more about the team than it does about Mayo.<br /><br />Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour both fill similar roles as solid backup combo guards that can shoot. Ridnour is an excellent midrange shooter and the better pure point guard while Neal is better behind the three-point line and better defensively. Carlos Delfino is a "three and D" guy who will play both shooting guard and small forward, but will likely miss the first couple months of the season with a foot injury. Nate Wolters probably won't play much but has a skillset similar to Neal.<br /><br /><b>Forwards</b><br /><b><br /></b>In the last couple seasons the Bucks seemed to acquire every forward possible, something that CPU teams would constantly do in NBA Live 2010 which would lead to the hilarious result of Zach Randolph or David Lee starting at small forward for opposing teams. Fortunately, the Bucks seemed to have fixed that glitch by trading Mbah a Moute and cutting Drew Gooden and now have a reasonable amount of bigs on the roster.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tBG1BRr0OE/UnCsGm7OJiI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nkZh1Af9KSc/s1600/drew-gooden-580x316-20101111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tBG1BRr0OE/UnCsGm7OJiI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nkZh1Af9KSc/s400/drew-gooden-580x316-20101111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#NeverForget</td></tr></tbody></table>Caron Butler's best days are behind him, but he's a fairly reliable veteran and a juicy trade asset with an expiring contract. Like Delfino, he shoots well from beyond the arc and can defend but doesn't contribute much else at this point. Middleton is an intriguing youngster with great size who is a dark horse to take the starting small forward job if Butler is washed up and Delfino takes longer than expected to recover.<br /><br />Ersan Ilyasova is the starter at power forward but is not a traditional player there. He's an excellent shooter and good rebounder who doesn't do much defensively and can't create his own shot. John Henson showed flashes in his rookie year and is the future at the position, but needs to put on some weight and improve his shot selection. Ekpe Udoh is a good defender but is hilariously bad offensively and can't rebound, like, at all. He's also an expiring deal and as such is a likely trade candidate.<br /><br />And that leads us to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the young rookie from Greece who has every Bucks fan excited. And they should be excited. BEHOLD:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aY-Jow6K-c8?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />The positives; he's fearless, has good shooting touch, is a willing passer, rebounds well, has a knack for blocking shots, possesses monstrous hands, is long, strong, and down to get the friction on. The negatives; is extremely raw, a little careless with the ball, has poor footwork, occasionally looses his man defensively, and is, like, eight years old or something. There's a ridiculously wide range of outcomes when it comes to Giannis (hashtag Greece Lightning) during his rookie season - he could be overwhelmed by the pro game and end up stuck in the D-League all year, force his way into the starting lineup and emerge as a ROY candidate, or anything in between. Nothing would shock me. But one thing he won't be is boring.<br /><br /><b>Centers</b><br /><b><br /></b>At this point last year, I wasn't even sure if LARRY SANDERS! was on the roster. His first two NBA seasons were eventful but not particularly useful. He blocked shots but fouled constantly and couldn't catch the ball. He was a bit of a hothead. After a brutal showing during summer league in 2012, it looked like he might not even make the team. But somehow, he did make the team, and I can only imagine that a mighty basketball demon possessed his soul and turned him into a defensive anchor and franchise building block. He cut down on the silly fouls while finishing second in the NBA in blocks while shooting over 50% from the field and nearly averaging a double-double. His impact went even beyond the traditional statistics, evidenced by this graph by Kirk Goldsberry that became popular after last year's Sloan Sports and Analytics Conference. It measured the field goal percentage of opposing teams while LARRY SANDERS! was on the court, juxtaposed against defensive sieve (and NBA Live "small forward") David Lee.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy6ROzvHE8A/UnCzHuCthRI/AAAAAAAAAo4/n4Zf3McSuJU/s1600/Larry+Sanders+David+Lee+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy6ROzvHE8A/UnCzHuCthRI/AAAAAAAAAo4/n4Zf3McSuJU/s640/Larry+Sanders+David+Lee+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hint: green is better than red</td></tr></tbody></table>SANDERS' breakout season earned him a four-year, 44 million dollar deal, and he is now the de facto face of the franchise. He still is a bit of a hothead and could stand to improve offensively, but is one of the better young centers in the league and the Bucks aren't going anywhere without him.<br /><br />Zaza Pachulia was paid too much to be the backup to SANDERS!, but is as reliable as they come and could start for a lot of NBA teams. I know nothing about Miroslav Raduljica, other than he is large and white and his name is an annoyance to spell. As long as he's better than Joel Przybilla, I'll be satisfied.<br /><br /><b>Head Coach</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P8Zjtb7Phw/UnC3EhP1BhI/AAAAAAAAApE/bQQUbi4qLiE/s1600/130603114108-larry-drew-announcement-atlanta-statement-00011201.main-video-player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P8Zjtb7Phw/UnC3EhP1BhI/AAAAAAAAApE/bQQUbi4qLiE/s400/130603114108-larry-drew-announcement-atlanta-statement-00011201.main-video-player.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Why do you keep calling me Windu?"</td></tr></tbody></table>Former Hawks coach Larry Drew replaces the hapless Jim Boylan, who himself was the mid-season replacement for Scott Skiles. I don't know a whole lot about Drew, but he's supposedly a <a href="http://www.bucksketball.com/2013/06/a-larry-drew-crash-course/">players coach</a> who has some skills on both sides of the ball but isn't much for in-game adjustments. He had success in Atlanta and seems to me like the right kind of guy for the Bucks' young roster, but I also thought Larry Krystkowiak would be a good coach and I was comically wrong.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prediction time</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b>10 bold predictions</b><br /><b><br /></b>1. LARRY SANDERS! will win the Defensive Player of the Year award<br />2. Ersan Ilyasova will shoot a career-high 48% from beyond the arc and participate in the three-point contest during All-Star weekend<br />3. Brandon Knight will lead the team in scoring (17-ish PPG)<br />4. SANDERS! will lead the league in technical fouls<br />5. Khris Middleton will start more games at small forward than Caron Butler<br />6. OJ Mayo will lead the team in assists<br />7. Ekpe Udoh will rebound a basketball at least once<br />8. Giannis will have a 5x5 game (at least 5 points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals)<br />9. John Henson will have at least two 20/20 games<br />10. The Bucks will trade for Steve Nash at the trade deadline because YOLO<br /><b><br /></b><b>Where they'll finish</b><br /><b><br /></b>The Bucks finished 8th in the East last year, but that said more about the bottom of the East than it did about the Bucks. This is an entirely new roster and it's impossible to tell how the pieces will fit. On the plus side, the Bucks probably have the deepest roster of competent players in the East, and SANDERS! is a difference-maker. On the down side, they have no real superstar, and a handful of teams that finished below them in the standings got a lot better in the offseason while the Celtics are the only team that finished above them to get markedly worse.<br /><br />Predictions on the Bucks are all over the place. Bill Simmons <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNAAqF0UhJQ">has them as a playoff team</a> with the possibility of reaching the 6th seed. Marc Stein <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">has them at 26th</a> in his power rankings and NBA.com <a href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/">has them at 24th</a>. I'm somewhere in the middle - I do think the Bucks are a better team talent-wise than they were last season, but I don't think it will show up in the standings. Here's how I see the East shaking out:<br /><br />1. Miami Heat<br />2. Chicago Bulls<br />3. Brooklyn Nets<br />4. Indiana Pacers<br />5. New York Knicks<br />6. Detroit Pistons<br />7. Atlanta Hawks<br />8. Washington Wizards<br />9. <b>Milwaukee Bucks</b><br />10. Cleveland Cavaliers<br />11. Toronto Raptors<br />12. Orlando Magic<br />13. Charlotte Bobcats<br />14. Boston Celtics<br />15. Philadelphia 76ers<br /><br />40 wins is a realistic mid-point, and I could see them finishing anywhere between 7th and 12th. The depth is good enough to keep them from completely tanking, but the lack of front-end talent keeps their ceiling low. While continuing to wallow in mediocrity and chasing the #8 seed is no fun, the team should at least be fun to watch on a nightly basis, especially if Greece Lightning is involved. For better or worse, I'm along for the ride.<br /><br />Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.<br /><br />- <b>Jerry Eldred (<a href="https://twitter.com/jheldred">@jheldred</a>)</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter:&nbsp;@AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.</span>http://wisportsblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/sanders-greece-lightning-and-mayo-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jerry Eldred)0